Stingray Charlotte was pregnant – even though she has no contact with male members of her species. However, the incredible pregnancy has now come to a sad end.
In February, a stingray named Charlotte made headlines. The animal, which lives in an aquarium and shark laboratory run by the ECCO team in the USA, was pregnant. The problem: The animal has no contact with male members of its species. However, a new update shows that there is no happy ending to this story.
A Facebook video showed Charlotte undergoing an ultrasound. There were also two incredible explanations for the pregnancy: In July 2023, two very young sharks came to the aquarium. Brenda Ramer, founder and CEO of the aquarium, reported that bite marks were noticed on Charlotte – and sharks bite when they mate.
However, the second possibility has turned out to be correct, according to “Bild”. According to marine biologists, it is a case of parthenogenesis. According to “Spektrum.de”, this means virgin birth. It goes on to say: “A form of asexual (unisexual) reproduction in which the offspring arise from unfertilized eggs.”
Many, however, were eagerly awaiting the birth. The ECCO team also regularly posts updates about the pregnancy on Facebook. Recently, it was also said that Charlotte “has developed a rare reproductive disease that has had a negative impact on her reproductive system.” As a result, the animal is no longer pregnant. Charlotte is said to be stable and has not shown any decrease in appetite or activity.
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