Look at these cute spotted eagle ray pups that were born at Discovery Cove

Two spotted eagle ray pups were born at SeaWorld Orlando’s Discovery Cove park, and they’re pretty cute.

Spotted eagle rays are “near threatened with extinction” because worldwide populations of the species are declining, according to Oceana. Each spotted eagle ray has its own unique pattern, similar to fingerprints. The new pups at Discovery Cove were born on April 2.

“The pups are receiving around-the-clock, world-class veterinary care from Discovery Cove’s team,” SeaWorld says in a statement. “This is the first birth for proud parents Nerina and Apollo.” “The work done by zoological facilities like Discovery Cove is critical for the protection of Spotted Eagle Rays and other animal populations worldwide,” said Candice Dorsey, senior vice president of conservation, management and welfare sciences at the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. “Like coral reefs and many other ocean dwellers, Spotted Eagle Rays are a threatened species.” Get our top picks for the best events in Orlando every Thursday morning. Sign up for our weekly Events newsletter.

This article appears in May 8-14, 2019.