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First time Dad to Quintuples Ray's

First time Dad to Quintuples Ray's

Date: 2014-01-31
What a way to start off 2014 for uShaka Sea World's Matt Needham, who was made a proud surrogate father of five stingrays that were born in Sea World's large open ocean exhibit during the early hours of January 1st. These 40cm-wide babies are mini 'replicas' of the adults, with a row of large, spear-like thorns in front of the sting, as well as smaller, conical thorns behind the sting covering the tail to the tip. The only exception is that each pup was born with a small, white round end to the barb, possibly to protect the mother during the birthing process.

From now until they are at the correct age and size to be moved, Needham will be responsible for these "five young charges" who are only four weeks old.

Like any new born, their diets have had to be monitored and Needham, with the wellbeing of these "little ones" at heart, has been keeping a strict eye on what they eat. Having started them on cracker prawns, he is now feeding them sardines by hand.

The five pups currently reside in their own specially designed "playpen" pool that is back-of-house so that Needham and the Sea World staff can monitor their health and food consumption over the next few days.

When asked how fatherhood is treating him he simply laughed light-heartedly and said, "it's hard work but I am loving every minute of it"!

For more information contact SAAMBR on 031328 8000.