The Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO stated in February that Charlotte was carrying three or 4 pups, despite the fact that she’d been residing in a tank with none male stingrays. She lived within the tank with two “very younger male sharks,” and a few believed she was impregnated by one of many sharks. Charlotte had a number of chew marks on her, and sharks chew after they mate.
Aquarium and Shark Lab by Team ECCO through AP
Experts later stated she’d possible turn into pregnant by parthenogenesis, also referred to as asexual replica. The uncommon phenomenon may occur with sharks, lizards and snakes.
Charlotte’s being pregnant made nationwide information — it even made it onto “Saturday Night Live.”
The aquarium thought Charlotte would give delivery round late February, however she by no means delivered any pups. In late May, it was introduced that she had an unnamed disease that had “negatively impacted her reproductive system.”
“The findings are really a tragic and surprising medical growth,” her care crew stated on the time.
Will Heath/NBC through Getty Images
On June 5, the aquarium confirmed Charlotte was no longer pregnant due to her reproductive illness. Though sick, she was in steady situation and confirmed no lower in urge for food or exercise.
“Charlotte continues to be in her regular routine and content material,” the aquarium stated in a social media submit.
The North Carolina aquarium was temporarily closed on Monday following Charlotte’s Sunday demise.
“We are persevering with to work along with her medical care crew and analysis specialist,” the aquarium stated in a social media submit. “The Team ECCO household appreciates your continued love and assist whereas we navigate this nice loss.”
