Today, in coordination with the Tampa Bay Rays, animal care experts with The Florida Aquarium successfully relocated its seven male cownose stingrays from Tropicana Field back to the Aquarium in downtown Tampa. Despite roof damage to the stadium caused by the storm, the stingrays remained safe in their 10,000 gallon, 35-foot habitat, which is located off right-center field.
“We’re pleased to report the cownose stingrays handled the storm well. With the Tampa Bay Rays support, our staff was able to provide onsite care over the past several days and today, we brought them safely back to the Aquarium,” said Craig Johnson, The Florida Aquarium’s Associate Curator. “We will continue to monitor their health over the coming days, but currently, all are eating and behaving normally.”
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VIDEO & PHOTOS OF THE STINGRAYS’ MOVE + SOUND
Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium
The seven cownose stingrays are on public display residing in a separate area of The Florida Aquarium’s second floor Stingray Beach exhibit, which is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Rays. The cownose stingray is named for its distinctive head shape, resembling a cow’s nose, and is the same species found in the waters of Tampa Bay.
Every year, the stingrays spend the MLB season at Tropicana Field as part of the Tampa Bay Rays Touch Experience, the first-ever interactive marine exhibit at a professional sports venue. Stingrays are an integral part of the Tampa Bay Rays identity, cherished by fans at Tropicana Field, where the team has featured the Aquarium’s popular stingray touch tank since 2006.
About The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium, a 501c (3) non-profit organization, is actively engaged in stewardship of the natural environment as a conservation-focused Aquarium with purpose-driven programs that include conservation, research, education and outreach. With a keen focus on delivering world-class experiences, The Florida Aquarium welcomes a million guests each year and promotes awareness and action on behalf of marine wildlife. Caring for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals and providing exceptional animal wellbeing is a hallmark of the Aquarium and through up-close encounters, underscores our interconnectedness with the ocean. Driven by a commitment to saving marine wildlife, The Florida Aquarium continues to be a global leader in ground-breaking research and rescue efforts that help restore Florida’s coral and sea turtle populations. For more information, visit FLaquarium.org and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
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