Current:Home > MyStingray that went viral after mysterious pregnancy dies, aquarium says -GrowthProspect
Stingray that went viral after mysterious pregnancy dies, aquarium says
View
Date:2025-04-14 22:22:11
Charlotte, a stingray who became famous earlier this year after the mysterious discovery she was pregnant, has died weeks after tests showed she was suffering from a rare reproductive disease, according to a North Carolina aquarium.
The Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO said in February that Charlotte was carrying three or four pups, even though she'd been living in a tank without any male stingrays. She lived in the tank with two "very young male sharks," and some believed she was impregnated by one of the sharks. Charlotte had several bite marks on her, and sharks bite when they mate.
Experts later said she'd likely become pregnant through parthenogenesis, also known as asexual reproduction. The rare phenomenon can also happen with sharks, lizards and snakes.
Charlotte's pregnancy made national news — it even made it onto "Saturday Night Live."
The aquarium thought Charlotte would give birth around late February, but she never delivered any pups. In late May, it was announced that she had an unnamed disease that had "negatively impacted her reproductive system."
"The findings are truly a sad and unexpected medical development," her care team said at the time.
On June 5, the aquarium confirmed Charlotte was no longer pregnant because of her reproductive disease. Though sick, she was in stable condition and showed no decrease in appetite or activity.
"Charlotte continues to be in her normal routine and content," the aquarium said in a social media post.
The North Carolina aquarium was temporarily closed on Monday following Charlotte's Sunday death.
"We are continuing to work with her medical care team and research specialist," the aquarium said in a social media post. "The Team ECCO family appreciates your continued love and support while we navigate this great loss."
Aliza ChasanAliza Chasan is a Digital Content Producer for "60 Minutes" and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.
TwitterveryGood! (52)
Related
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- The Best Red Outfits for February’s Big Football Game
- Mobsters stole a historical painting from a family; 54 years later the FBI brought it home
- France farmers protests see 79 arrested as tractors snarl Paris traffic
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- IRS gives Minnesota a final ‘no’ on exempting state tax rebates from federal taxes
- Kelly Clarkson opens up about diagnosis that led to weight loss: 'I wasn't shocked'
- How accurate is Punxsutawney Phil? His Groundhog Day predictions aren't great, data shows.
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Mystery surrounds SUV that drove off Virginia Beach pier amid search for missing person
Ranking
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Which beer gardens, new breweries and beer bars are the best in the US?
- South Carolina to provide free gun training classes under open carry bill passed by state Senate
- Annette Bening named Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Watch: Pipeline explosion shoots flames 500 feet high, reportedly seen in three states
- California teenager charged with swatting faces adult charges in Florida
- Beheading video posted on YouTube prompts response from social media platform
Recommendation
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
Loud Budgeting Is the New TikTok Money Trend, Here Are the Essentials to Get You on Board
The Best Valentine's Day Gifts Based On Each Love Language
Lawmakers move to help veterans at risk of losing their homes
'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
Arkansas police chief arrested and charged with kidnapping
Missouri Republicans are split over changes to state Senate districts
US center’s tropical storm forecasts are going inland, where damage can outstrip coasts