ORLANDO, Fla. – A splash of excitement is sweeping through SeaWorld Orlando with the arrival of a new marine resident making its grand debut.

For the first time, a juvenile smalltooth sawfish, born at the park, has been introduced to the public in a guest-accessible habitat at the Manta Aquarium.

Named Axel, this young sawfish is one of a trio of pups born in 2023, marking a significant milestone for a species teetering on the brink of extinction. According to a statement from SeaWorld, this birth is an extraordinary achievement in their conservation efforts.

Visitors now have the unique opportunity to observe this fascinating creature up close, experiencing firsthand the success of SeaWorld’s conservation initiatives.

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“This moment is the culmination of years of collaboration, dedication, and discovery,” said Dr. Dana Lindemann, veterinarian at SeaWorld Orlando. “By bringing this young sawfish into view, we can inspire future generations, while continuing to advance critical research and contribute to the recovery of this species.”

Sawfish births in human care are incredibly rare. SeaWorld Orlando is currently the only aquarium in the U.S. to care for smalltooth sawfish and just the second in the world to successfully welcome pups. Since their birth in July 2023, the pups have grown to three times their birth length, providing scientists with valuable insight into how these mysterious fish mature and develop.

According to SeaWorld, smalltooth sawfish once thrived in U.S. waters, but saw their numbers plummet due to habitat loss and accidental catch. They became the first marine fish protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2003. Today, they are mostly found in Florida’s coastal waters, and chances to see one up close are almost unheard of.

SeaWorld has provided long-term care for adult sawfish, including Axel’s parents, for over 30 years. The park actively participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Survival Plan and works with partners to protect and study these extraordinary animals.

The move to the Manta Aquarium opens a new chapter in that work, connecting everyday guests with a species most people will never see in the wild while contributing to research that could help secure their future.