(WBIR - GATLINBURG) It's a stingray celebration at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies!
The aquarium is home to dozens of cownose stingrays, which are closely monitored by medical staff, especially when pregnant.
Cownose stingrays are usually pregnant for about a year before giving birth, and this year, the aquarium's husbandry staff noticed a problem with one particulary female.
She didn't give birth with the rest of the rays. They estimated that she was 6 to 8 weeks overdue, and that both lives in danger.
With an ultrasound, the staff determined that the baby was alive and well (and amazing video released by the aquarium shows the little sting ray swimming around in utero!)
They decided to perform a c-section to save both the baby and the mother, and the risky procedure was a success! They believe this is the first time that a cownose stingray has been successfuly delivered by c-section.
Now, mother and baby are healthy,and swimming side by side in their tank at the aquarium.
