Charlotte, a stingray at the North Carolina Aquarium and Shark Lab, passed away after experiencing a rare asexual pregnancy due to parthenogenesis. Her unique case sheds light on this phenomenon in various species.
Stingray Dies After Rare Asexual Pregnancy at North Carolina Aquarium
Charlotte, a stingray at the Aquarium and Shark Lab in Hendersonville, North Carolina, died after developing a rare reproductive disease. The aquarium announced her passing via Facebook on Sunday. Earlier this year, Charlotte became pregnant despite not having contact with a male of her species for at least eight years.
First reported in February, Charlotte’s pregnancy was attributed to parthenogenesis, a type of asexual reproduction where offspring develop from unfertilized eggs. This phenomenon is rare and typically occurs in some insects, fish, amphibians, birds, and reptiles.
Charlotte’s unusual condition led the aquarium to share updates in May, stating she was suffering from a rare reproductive disease and had not given birth. By early June, she was no longer pregnant. Parthenogenesis has been documented in various species, including California condors, Komodo dragons, and yellow-bellied water snakes.
