uShaka Sea World aquarists, from left, Jerry Ntombela, Preleen Govender, Kerry Lavender, Senzo Gumede, Sanele Ndaba and Lingensan Perumal release the six Thorntail stingrays, born on January 27, into the ocean. Picture: SAAMBR
Six Thorntail stingray pups which were born at the Open Ocean Exhibit at uShaka Marine World on January 27 were released into the sea on Monday.
Aquarists Jerry Ntombela, Preleen Govender, Kerry Lavender, Senzo Gumede, Sanele Ndaba and Lingensan Perumal sent the stingrays off to a life of freedom.
The pups, three male and three female, were born to stingray mum, Miss Cape Town. The new pups averaged at 2.3kg at birth.
It is always a highlight for the uShaka Sea World aquarists when they get to release animals born on exhibit, said Ms Lavender.
“Over the past three weeks, while they were under observation in the clinic, they showed they were very strong and healthy with good appetites,” said Ms Lavender.
“Although these pups have only been in my care for the past three weeks, it has been an absolute honour to look after them and watch them grow. I know that they will thrive in the ocean.”
Before they were released they were measured, weighed and checked and all of them received a clean bill of health from the veterinarian, added Ms Lavender.
“We believe that the young stingrays will spend some time in the shelter of the Vetch’s Pier (what is left of a man-made pier, jutting into the sea of Durban Beach). When they are confident enough to venture further. Thorntail stingrays are commonly found along the KZN coast in the summer months,” said Ms Lavender.