Two endangered eagle ray pups are already stealing attention after making their public debut, with the tiny brothers quickly becoming known for their unique personalities.
Born on March 16, 2026 to parents Nova and Eddie, the pair are now settling into life at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, where guests can spot them gliding through the Oceanarium Bay of Rays habitat alongside resident marine life.
Currently about the size of a dinner plate, with tails stretching close to one metre, the brothers may have arrived on the same day but are already taking different approaches to their new surroundings.
One has emerged as the more adventurous sibling, confidently exploring and swimming towards curious visitors, while the other has proven a little more shy.
The births marked an important milestone, with eagle rays globally classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, although Australian populations face lower risk thanks to stronger protections in local waters.
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast’s general manager Quinn Clarke said watching the pups thrive had been a special experience for the team.
“Guests have the opportunity to see the next generation of one of the ocean’s most graceful and fascinating species as the pups confidently glide through the Oceanarium tunnel.”
The arrivals also came with an unusual detail many visitors would not expect.
Eagle ray pups are born curled tightly, almost like little rolled-up newspapers, before unfolding as they enter the water for the first time.
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The species takes a hands-off approach to parenting. Mother rays provide no care after birth, with Nova quickly swimming away after delivering the pair and leaving the pups to begin life on their own.
