SeaQuarium Rhyl will be celebrating an Explorer’s Event until March 3 where guests will be invited to explore the animals on display at the aquarium and learn more about the creatures that call the sea their home.

There have been some st-ray-nge new arrivals too at SeaQuarium in Rhyl.

A total of 22 rays were delivered from Longleat Safari Park and can now be seen on display at the aquarium. All but one of the rays that arrived were Thornback rays, however, there was one Undulate ray that was of particular interest to the staff at Rhyl.

Nat Lewis, one of the display’s assistants explained: “Undulate rays are currently classed as endangered according to the IUCN, the world’s governing body on conservation”.

She added “Thornback rays are considered to be Near Threatened, however both species wild numbers are in decline. These rays that we have welcomed here were largely bred in captivity at Longleat, with the Undulate himself being born in Brighton”.

The rays have been introduced after being allowed to settle in with SeaQuarium’s resident population which includes a number that were hatched and raised by the aquarium staff themselves.

“It is important to keep species such as these breeding in captivity because of the threats and dangers that their wild counterparts currently face. Due to the wild status of Undulate rays at the moment, there is an ongoing breeding programme among a number of British and European zoos and aquariums to maintain and increase the captive population.

"This kind of ex-situ conservation can be seen throughout a number of threatened species worldwide.”

Throughout the Explorers event there will be numerous talks and demonstrations some of which will include the new rays, as well as the sharks, starfish and seals. As an added treat guests can enjoy Explorer themed demonstrations in the Seal Cove where they’ll be able to learn more about the seals and explore the habitat of the South African Fur Seals.

Additional to the shows, encounters and trails; to celebrate the new season there will be additional fun activities including free craft sessions aimed at children and families.

Explorers Half Term activities are included in the standard admission price, with the exception of the trail, which includes a small fee.

SeaQuarium Rhyl is situated on the promenade and open from 10am daily.

Further information is available from SeaQuarium’s official website www.seaquarium.co.uk or by telephone on 01745 344660.

You can find out more on the aquarium’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SeaQRhyl.