Seven cownose stingrays are safely enjoying their new habitat at the Florida Aquarium after a harrowing ride through Hurricane Milton in a touch tank at Tropicana Field, home of MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays, according to reports released Monday.
As the storm made landfall in Florida, officials at the aquarium and the baseball stadium were on edge, mainly because of the stadium’s unique feature – a 10,000-gallon touch tank filled with cownose stingrays, where fans can interact with the marine animals during games.
The cownose stingrays, named so because of the distinctive cow-shaped markings on their heads, were safely relocated from the stadium tank on Monday. Aquarium officials confirmed that the stingrays are healthy and thriving in their new habitat.
Images taken at the stadium during the storm showed the cownose stingrays swimming and gathering in the deeper parts of the tank as the storm raged outside. The scene sparked widespread concern and relief on social media as fans and aquarium enthusiasts anxiously waited for news of the stingrays’ safety.
‘We are extremely relieved that our marine animals were safe during Hurricane Milton,’ said a spokesperson for the Florida Aquarium. ‘We extend our gratitude to all the team members who made sure their safety was our top priority during the storm.’
The cownose stingrays are expected to remain at their new habitat for the time being as officials monitor and assess the situation at the Tropicana Field touch tank.