The Florida Aquarium’s Stingrays Safely Return Home After Riding Out Hurricane Milton at Tropicana Field

October 14, 2024

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Tampa, FL (October 14, 2024) – Today, in coordination with the Tampa Bay Rays, animal care experts with The Florida Aquarium successfully relocated its seven male cownose stingrays from Tropicana Field back to the Aquarium in downtown Tampa. Despite roof damage to the stadium caused by the storm, the stingrays remained safe in their 10,000 gallon, 35-foot habitat, which is located off right-center field.

“We’re pleased to report the cownose stingrays handled the storm well. With the Tampa Bay Rays support, our staff was able to provide onsite care over the past several days and today, we brought them safely back to the Aquarium,” said Craig Johnson, The Florida Aquarium’s Associate Curator. “We will continue to monitor their health over the coming days, but currently, all are eating and behaving normally.”

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Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium

The seven cownose stingrays are on public display residing in a separate area of The Florida Aquarium’s second floor Stingray Beach exhibit, which is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Rays. The cownose stingray is named for its distinctive head shape, resembling a cow’s nose, and is the same species found in the waters of Tampa Bay.

Every year, the stingrays spend the MLB season at Tropicana Field as part of the Tampa Bay Rays Touch Experience, the first-ever interactive marine exhibit at a professional sports venue. Stingrays are an integral part of the Tampa Bay Rays identity, cherished by fans at Tropicana Field, where the team has featured the Aquarium’s popular stingray touch tank since 2006.