Meet Our Newest Resident - Sandy!

We’re excited to share some fin-tastic news from the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center—there’s a new face in our stingray family! Meet Sandy, a female southern stingray who recently joined us through a generous donation from the Marine Exploration Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Sandy is already making quite a splash with visitors, and if you're planning a trip to the Coastal Center, she’s one more amazing reason to stop by.

A Big Stingray With an Even Bigger Story

Sandy is impressive in size—nearly 40 inches across and weighing about 83 pounds. Southern stingrays can grow even larger, sometimes reaching over 79 inches wide and more than 200 pounds. Based on scientific aging studies, Sandy is about 14 years old, with the potential to live into her twenties.

She has already settled into her new temporary home, started eating well, and is learning our stingray training routine. Once she’s fully acclimated and trained to follow our stingray target, she’ll join the other southern stingrays in the Gamefish Lagoon, where guests can see her glide gracefully through the water.

What About Her Crooked Tail?

You might notice Sandy has a slightly crooked tail. While we can’t say for sure what caused it—old injury, congenital difference, or something that happened before she ever reached human care—we can say this: Sandy is healthy, active, and thriving. Her tail adds character and doesn’t affect her ability to swim, eat, or participate in her training.

Why Sandy Matters to Our Mission

Animals like Sandy serve as conservation ambassadors, helping visitors learn about:

• Florida’s coastal ecosystems

• Responsible wildlife stewardship

• The importance of protecting marine habitats

• The science behind animal care and rehabilitation

Meeting a stingray up close is one of the most memorable—and educational—experiences at the Coastal Center.

Come Visit Sandy at the Coastal Center!

If you're searching for things to do in Stuart, FL or planning a family visit to Hutchinson Island, make sure to stop by the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Sandy is already winning hearts, and she can’t wait to meet you.

Your visit supports our mission of education, research, and conservation—every ticket helps us care for animals like Sandy and protect Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

Plan your visit today → Visit the Coastal Center