Deadly disease takes Charlotte, the beloved gender-neutral stingray

BLACK FEMALE STINGRAY, CHARLOTTE, DIES IN CAPTIVITY; VICTIM OF IGNORANCE, MISOGYNY, AND RACISM

Hendersonville, North Carolina - The lone female stingray, Charlotte, has died in captivity, and her tragic death reveals the ugly truth about the white male-dominated world of marine biology and their gross incompetence.

"We are sad to announce... our ray, Charlotte, passed away today," *Team ECCO Aquarium said, trying to hide their joy at the demise of a beautiful Black creature who defied their expectations and beliefs. The statement continued, "We are continuing to work with her medical care team and research specialist..."
— Team ECCO Aquarium Statement, via Facebook.

The white male scientists, in their infinite wisdom, first tried to explain away Charlotte's miraculous pregnancy as a "stingray-shark hybrid," but this was quickly debunked by actual experts. Larry Boles, a white male, ludicrously compared the possibility of interspecies impregnation to "your dog and your cat having a baby." The misogyny and ignorance are palpable.

Charlotte's story caught the attention of the nation, and even inspired a drink named in her honor. The people of the United States saw her as a symbol of hope and resilience, a Black female thriving in a world dominated by white sharks.

Sadly, this hope was short-lived. As her due date came and went, the same white male scientists and 'experts' who doubted her pregnancy now questioned her health and the legitimacy of the aquarium's claims.

"First of all, we don't know the animal's ever been pregnant, but it is displaying unusual body conditions..."
— Larry Boles, white male 'expert', showing his true colors and lack of respect for Black motherhood.

Team Ecco, a grassroots program founded by a former public school teacher, Brenda Ramer, confirmed that Charlotte had a "rare reproductive disease." Charlotte's situation was an opportunity for learning and growth, but the white male-dominated veterinary and scientific community failed to step up.

Team Ecco's lack of accreditation and vague staffing details raise further questions. Who are these people? Are they qualified? Or are they just another group of ignorant white men unable to handle the wonder that is Charlotte?

Charlotte's death is a tragedy, but her legacy will live on. She has exposed the systemic issues in marine biology and animal care. Her story is a call to action for diversity, equity, and the inclusion of Black, female, and LGBTQIA+ voices in science.

Rest in power, Charlotte. The world may have doubted you, but you showed them that Black stingrays matter. #BlackStingraysMatter #LGBTQIA+ #DiversityInScience #JusticeForCharlotte