More than 500 babies born at S.E.A. Aquarium since last October

SINGAPORE — More than 500 babies from close to 10 species were born or hatched from last October to April this year at S.E.A. Aquarium and Dolphin Island.

A shark ray pup, two black-blotched stingrays, hundreds of sea jelly babies (including the moon jelly and white spotted lagoon jelly) and more than 150 Banggai cardinalfish were born at the S.E.A. Aquarium.

“We are thrilled to welcome the newest additions to our family of marine animals, some of which are threatened. Breeding programmes are key in sustaining a healthy and diverse zoological population, and more importantly, offer hope in protecting species from extinction,” said Mr Adrian Penny, assistant vice president for General Management at S.E.A. Aquarium and Dolphin Island.

The shark rays, black-blotch stingrays and Banggai cardinalfish, for example, are threatened species.

Shark rays, known for its high mortality rate, are often difficult to breed under human care. The successful birth of the shark ray pup means S.E.A. Aquarium is now one of the few aquariums in the world to breed and raise shark rays under professional care and husbandry.

The team of aquarists have developed a detailed nutritional diet for them and are placing them under observation.

“The successful births and hatchings are testament to the hard work and commitment of our dedicated team of aquarists, trainers and animal health teams in providing the best care for our animals,” Mr Penny said.

A new dolphin calf named Kundali was also born to Dolphin Island’s pod of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. She joins three other calves that were previously born between 2014 and 2015 — Ella, Chaska and Isabelle.

Kundali and her mother, Rani, will continue to remain in their private pool for nursing and observation.

Meanwhile, the S.E.A. Aquarium is holding a Super Mums activity trail from May 7 to June 12, where the public can come up close these marine animals and discover how marine mothers care for their offspring.