3 Endangered Sawfish Pups Born in Captivity Debuts in SeaWorld Orlando, Experts Hail Conservation Milestone

Three endangered sawfish pups make their debut at SeaWorld Orlando, marking the first time the species has been born in captivity, which is being hailed as a conservation milestone.

Endangered Sawfish

The smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), a unique member of the sawfish family, is classified as a ray due to its distinctive features. Its gills and mouth are situated on the underside of its body. The defining characteristic of the sawfish is its rostrum, a long, flat snout adorned with teeth resembling a saw's edge. These creatures primarily inhabit tropical seas and estuaries where rivers meet the Atlantic Ocean. They are often found in shallow coastal waters and occasionally venture into freshwater river systems.

Historically, smalltooth sawfish were prevalent in the Gulf of Mexico and along the East Coast of the United States, up to North Carolina. However, their distribution has significantly shrunk, now largely limited to Florida's coastline. This decline is due to factors like habitat loss and overfishing.

Smalltooth sawfish holds the distinction of being the first marine fish protected under the Endangered Species Act, a status granted in 2003. This protection strictly forbids catching, harming, harassing, or killing these endangered creatures. Guidelines for their safe handling and release have been established for accidental encounters during fishing.

They also enjoy protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), listed in Appendix I, which prohibits commercial trade in species threatened with extinction. Additionally, they are included in Annex II of the Protocol for Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW Protocol) in the Wider Caribbean region.
They are recognized as a migratory species threatened with extinction (Appendix I) under the United Nations Environment Programme Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. This international recognition emphasizes the need for rigorous protection, conservation, and habitat restoration.

Three Pups in SeaWorld Orlando

In May, SeaWorld Orlando identified a pregnant smalltooth sawfish, closely monitoring her until she gave birth at the Aquarium Health Center. Smalltooth sawfish typically deliver 7-14 pups after a 12-month pregnancy, with females birthing every other year. Born in July, the trio includes two females and one male, measuring about two feet in length and resembling small sharks.

This birth is a significant achievement in sawfish conservation, making SeaWorld Orlando the only US aquarium to house this species. Globally, only one other aquarium has successfully welcomed smalltooth sawfish pups, as per SeaWorld's announcement.

Also Read: Crown-of-Thorns Starfish: Predators Survive Heat Waves That Kill Corals by Eating Survivors 

Born in Captivity, A Conservation Milestone

Dr. Joseph Gaspard, SeaWorld Orlando's VP of Zoological Operations, hails the smalltooth sawfish pups' birth as an extraordinary conservation success. They offer a unique opportunity to study and save this critically endangered species. SeaWorld's millions of annual visitors can learn and spread the message of marine life conservation.

This achievement is a beacon of hope in our world's growing need to protect marine life. The birth of these endangered sawfish is a heartwarming success story, symbolizing hope for the future. It's a testament to the dedication of those preserving our oceans and their incredible inhabitants. SeaWorld Orlando's role in this endeavor showcases the importance of protecting these wondrous creatures.

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