Three guitarfish pups born at Loro Parque in conservation breakthrough
Loro Parque in Tenerife has announced the birth of three guitarfish pups, marking the first time this critically endangered species has reproduced at the park’s aquarium. The event represents a major milestone for the Animal Embassy initiative, which is dedicated to the conservation of vulnerable marine life.
Critically endangered species
Guitarfish, which belong to the order Rajiformes, are among the most threatened groups of marine animals in the world. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), around a third of species within this group are at critical risk of extinction.
These elasmobranchs are particularly vulnerable because they are often caught unintentionally in fishing nets, and their late maturity — taking several years before they can reproduce — makes recovery difficult for wild populations. The impact of overfishing and climate change has placed additional pressure on their survival.
A success story in animal care
Yeray Martín, curator of Loro Parque’s aquarium, explained: “We have been working with different shark species for decades, which has allowed us to focus on key aspects of their care. This ensures they feel comfortable enough to develop their natural behaviours — including reproduction.”
The newborn pups are currently under close supervision from the park’s expert aquarists and are expected to join training programmes alongside other guitarfish once they are ready.
A global conservation challenge
Wolfgang Kiessling, president of the Loro Parque Group, praised the achievement, stressing the importance of captive breeding for species on the brink of extinction: “These animals are extremely difficult to reproduce under human care, which underlines the excellent work carried out by our professionals.”
The successful births at Loro Parque not only strengthen the aquarium’s reputation as a world leader in marine conservation but also provide hope for the future of a species facing enormous challenges in the wild.
For visitors to Tenerife, the chance to see these rare pups up close offers a reminder of the vital role that zoological institutions play in protecting biodiversity for generations to come.
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