The Minnesota Zoo is excited to announce the birth of a male southern red stingray pup, who is currently growing up behind the scenes. Born on November 20, this is the Zoo’s first stingray youngster born in over 10 years.

Because the pup is only the size of a small dinner plate and is eating small amounts, Zoo staff decided that his best chance of survival is to have as much attention behind the scenes as possible. If all goes well, he will go on exhibit in a few years when he reaches adult size. The pup is the offspring of stingrays that joined the Zoo in the past six years.

Southern red stingrays (Dasytis americana) first arrived at the Minnesota Zoo for the opening of Discovery Bay in 1997.  They were placed in Shark Reef to compliment the shark collection.

Learn more about stingrays and the other species that live under the sea during our Backstage with Sharks and Rays program!