SeaWorld Orlando announces historic birth of 3 smalltooth sawfish pups

Three smalltooth sawfish pups were born over the summer at SeaWorld Orlando, marking the second successful birth of the species worldwide, the theme park announced recently.

The three pups – one male and two females – were born on July 11, 2023. Each measured approximately two feet long at the time, SeaWorld said in an Oct. 17 news release, adding that it's the only U.S. aquarium to have smalltooth sawfish on display.

Though they may look like sharks, sawfish are actually considered to be rays with their grills and mouths on their undersides, SeaWorld said. They get their name from their saw-like snout.

"The birth of smalltooth sawfish at SeaWorld Orlando marks a significant achievement, as we become the second aquarium globally to have this success," said Dr. Joseph Gaspard, vice president of zoological operations at SeaWorld Orlando, in a prepared statement. "This is an extraordinary success in the realm of sawfish conservation, and it is our privilege to provide world-class care for this critically endangered species."

Smalltooth Sawfish are commonly found in tropical seas and estuaries, including along Florida's coastal waters, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They've been protected in Florida since 1992 and were added to the Endangered Species Act in 2003, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

""The birth of smalltooth sawfish in captivity for just the second time, and the first within the United States, is historic. These young sawfish will provide a great opportunity for researchers and aquarists to learn more about juvenile growth and development. But equally important, this will be a chance for the public to witness and develop an understanding of these majestic creatures. It is through these opportunities that greater conservation can be achieved", said Adam Brame, Sawfish Recovery Coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), in a statement.

SeaWorld said the pups were given a comprehensive examination after they were born and continue to receive check-ups. They currently remain behind-the-scenes.

There are two adult smalltooth sawfish at SeaWorld Orlando, who've lived at the parks since the 1980s. Those two can be found within the 700,000-gallon Shark Encounter habitat in the theme park. 

SeaWorld officials discovered one of the sawfish was pregnant during an ultrasound in May, and subsequently moved her to the Aquarium Health Center.