Endangered spotted eagle rays make debut at Camden's Adventure Aquarium
The spotted eagle rays will be available for guests to view beginning Thursday, with special themed programming scheduled through Monday.
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Guests of Camden’s Adventure Aquarium can expect to see incredible new residents in the Ocean Realm exhibit this weekend—five endangered spotted eagle rays.
With their arrival, Adventure Aquarium is now the only aquarium in the Northeast where guests can come face-to-face with this species.
The spotted eagle rays will be available for guests to view beginning Thursday, with special themed programming scheduled through Monday.
Activities will include educational exhibit talks with animal experts and themed craft experiences.
Spotted eagle rays are known for their distinctive white-spotted patterns, soaring wing-like fins, and graceful movements through the water, appearing to “fly” effortlessly within their exhibit.
Adventure Aquarium staff spent months preparing for their arrival, with biologists and veterinary professionals providing around-the-clock monitoring prior to their official debut.
The Ocean Realm exhibit that the rays now call home holds more than 760,000 gallons of water, where guests can see them swimming alongside sharks, sea turtles, and other extraordinary marine animals.
Currently, the spotted eagle rays measure about 2 to 3 feet in width and weigh between 25 and 33 pounds. However, they are expected to grow significantly, reaching wingspans of up to five feet and weights of several hundred pounds.
"This is an incredibly exciting moment for both the Aquarium and our guests," said Nikki Grandinetti, general curator at Adventure Aquarium. "Spotted eagle rays are such a dynamic species, and our animal car team has worked tirelessly to ensure they thrive in their new home. We're thrilled to share these amazing animals with the public while also inspiring deeper conversations about ocean conservation and protecting vulnerable marine species."
Spotted eagle rays are currently classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List due to overfishing, habitat loss, and other threats.
Adventure Aquarium is also a participant in the AZA SAFE Shark and Ray program, a conservation initiative focused on protecting and restoring shark and ray populations worldwide.
