The aquarium which Charlotte the virgin stingray calls home has made a sad update on her miraculous conception which baffled the world.
Team ECCO, who are based in The Aquarium and Shark Lab, in North Carolina, US, have been keeping the world well informed on the stingray's progress since her bizarre pregnancy was announced last year.
For those who need a refresher - Charlotte suddenly became something of the supposed Virgin Mary of the animal world when staff performed an ultrasound back in September 2023 after noticing she was growing increasingly swollen.
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It emerged that the cause of this was because she was pregnant with four pups - but this left her carers with even more questions, as there were no possible dads in her tank.
Experts reckon that a phenomenon, known as parthenogenesis, was the most likely explanation for her pregnancy, which is the scientific term used to describe a virgin birth.
It’s known as a form of asexual reproduction where a female of the species can produce an embryo, despite the absence of sperm fertilising her eggs.
Things then suddenly went a bit quiet in recent months, with updates becoming less regular and in turn prompting panic among fans of the stingray who had become worried for her health.
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Now, Team ECCO has made the sad announcement that Charlotte is no longer pregnant.
In a post on Instagram, the team explained: "Thank you for your continued support and concern for Charlotte after the unfortunate medical updates last week.
"Medical experts have confirmed that Charlotte is no longer pregnant due to her reproductive disease.
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"The medical team preformed their bi-weekly in person assessment last night at the aquarium and reported that Charlotte is stable and continues to show no decrease in appetite or activity.
"Charlotte continues to be in her normal routine and content.
"The medical experts are reviewing additional ultrasounds and testing that have been collected and sent out for recommendations for treatment options and we will collaborate on a medical care plan for Charlotte based on the entire medical file, and options available to her.
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"Additionally, after consulting with the medical team, the most cautious course of action is to temporarily remain closed to ensure the safety and medical care of Charlotte and all our animals at Team ECCO Aquarium."
At the end of May, Team ECCO broke the news that the stingray who has wowed the world had tragically developed a 'rare reproductive disease that has negatively impacted her reproductive system'.
The experts admitted there was little knowledge of the condition but they were actively researching it and hoped their findings would 'positively contribute to science and be of benefit to other rays in the future'.
The aquarium is currently closed as it determines its next steps, while its owner Brenda Ramer thanked people for their continued support throughout Charlotte's journey.
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She told the Asheville Citizen Times: "When we close, that's when we'll be able to sit down and do an actual consultation and set a plan of action in place for her treatment.
"We certainly do appreciate the love, the kindness and support for Charlotte and for her care team that is keeping us bolstered as we navigate this."
Olivia Burke