Stormy Weather Can’t Stop These Stingrays!
When Hurricane Milton battered Florida, seven cownose stingrays found themselves in the midst of the chaos. But thanks to the quick thinking of The Florida Aquarium team, these remarkable creatures rode out the storm in style.
A Touch Tank Triumph
The stingrays, named for their distinctive cow-shaped snouts, called Tropicana Field’s 10,000-gallon touch tank home during the MLB season. This popular fan attraction, located above right-center field, provided a unique experience for baseball enthusiasts. But when the storm hit, the aquarium’s staff sprang into action, ensuring the stingrays’ safety.
Weathering the Storm
Although Tropicana Field’s fabric roof was severely damaged, the stingrays remained unharmed. Craig Johnson, The Florida Aquarium’s associate curator, praised the team’s efforts, saying, “We’re thrilled to report that the cownose stingrays handled the storm exceptionally well. With the Tampa Bay Rays’ support, our staff provided onsite care over the past several days, and today, we brought them safely back to the Aquarium.”
A New Home Awaits
The stingrays have now been relocated to their own exhibition space at The Florida Aquarium, where they will spend the offseason. This marks a return to familiar surroundings, as they typically call the aquarium home during the winter months.
A Long History of Partnership
This isn’t the first time The Florida Aquarium and Tropicana Field have collaborated. Since 2006, stingrays from the aquarium have been featured in the ballpark’s touch tank, providing an unforgettable experience for fans. The cownose stingray species is common in the waters around Tampa Bay, making this partnership a natural fit.
Assessing the Damage
While the stingrays are safe and sound, the Rays are still evaluating the extent of the storm damage to Tropicana Field. The team estimates it will take several weeks to assess the damage and determine next steps. The stadium’s roof, designed to withstand winds of up to 115 mph, was severely compromised, but the Rays are already looking ahead to their 2025 season opener against the Colorado Rockies on March 27.
A Bright Future Ahead
In the meantime, The Florida Aquarium is breathing a sigh of relief. The aquarium itself was spared from damage, thanks to the swift actions of its staff, who relocated penguins and other animals to higher floors and transferred a rescued sea turtle to safety. As the city of St. Petersburg looks to the future, a new $1.3 billion ballpark is slated to replace Tropicana Field in time for the 2028 season, marking an exciting new chapter for the Rays and the community.
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