Zoo staff thought stingrays in female-only tank were bloated... that was until they gave birth to SEVEN pups
An aquarium has received a surprise of seven baby stingrays born to mothers who have not been near a male for two years.
Staff at the Sea Life London Aquarium noticed two female stingrays looking bloated and were surprised to discover they were both expecting young.
Surprise: Visitors watch a new baby stingray in a permanent display at the Sea Life London Aquarium
Seven six-inch baby stingrays were born to the two mothers, and are now big enough to be moved to their new home in the aquarium's SOS area.
Paul Hale, head curator at the aquarium, said: 'Rays have been known to store sperm and not give birth until they decide the timing is right, but it's not something I've seen before in my eight years at the aquarium.
Black or White: The baby stingrays were born to two female mothers despite any male contact for two years
'The staff noticed two female stingrays looking bloated so gave them a health check and were surprised to discover they were both expecting, considering there have been no males in their display for so long.'
He added: 'Rays are already one of the most popular creatures at the aquarium; so these pups will be very popular with our visitors this summer.'
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