A stingray named Charlotte, residing at North Carolina’s Aquarium and Shark Lab, passed away after developing a rare reproductive disease.
Charlotte’s pregnancy, which occurred despite her not having been in a tank with a male for at least eight years, had garnered significant media attention globally.
“We are sad to announce, after continuing treatment with her medical care team and specialist, our ray Charlotte passed away today,” the aquarium wrote as per news agency AP, while also thanking fans for their “love and support”.
The aquarium, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, first announced Charlotte’s unexpected pregnancy in February. This phenomenon drew attention from both mainstream media and entertainment shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Saturday Night Live.
In late May, the aquarium reported that Charlotte was suffering from a rare reproductive disease and was actively investigating the condition. By early June, the facility announced that Charlotte was no longer pregnant, leading to a temporary closure to the public starting June 1.
The pregnancy was believed to be caused by parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction where offspring develop from unfertilized eggs with no genetic input from a male. This rare occurrence is observed in various species such as insects, fish, amphibians, birds, and reptiles, but it has not been seen in mammals. Documented instances of this phenomenon include California condors, Komodo dragons, and yellow-bellied water snakes.
“There have been studies done on southern rays, but we have not found any yet done on round rays,” it wrote.
Charlotte’s case provided a fascinating example of parthenogenesis and led to broader public interest and understanding of this rare reproductive process. The staff at the aquarium remains dedicated to learning more about the disease that afflicted Charlotte and ensuring the well-being of the other animals in their care.
Charlotte’s pregnancy, which occurred despite her not having been in a tank with a male for at least eight years, had garnered significant media attention globally.
“We are sad to announce, after continuing treatment with her medical care team and specialist, our ray Charlotte passed away today,” the aquarium wrote as per news agency AP, while also thanking fans for their “love and support”.
The aquarium, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, first announced Charlotte’s unexpected pregnancy in February. This phenomenon drew attention from both mainstream media and entertainment shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Saturday Night Live.
In late May, the aquarium reported that Charlotte was suffering from a rare reproductive disease and was actively investigating the condition. By early June, the facility announced that Charlotte was no longer pregnant, leading to a temporary closure to the public starting June 1.
The pregnancy was believed to be caused by parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction where offspring develop from unfertilized eggs with no genetic input from a male. This rare occurrence is observed in various species such as insects, fish, amphibians, birds, and reptiles, but it has not been seen in mammals. Documented instances of this phenomenon include California condors, Komodo dragons, and yellow-bellied water snakes.
“There have been studies done on southern rays, but we have not found any yet done on round rays,” it wrote.
Charlotte’s case provided a fascinating example of parthenogenesis and led to broader public interest and understanding of this rare reproductive process. The staff at the aquarium remains dedicated to learning more about the disease that afflicted Charlotte and ensuring the well-being of the other animals in their care.
