A female shark at Brookfield Zoo in Illinois has birthed a pup despite having no contact with a male for four years, the zoo announced on Nov. 1.
The "virgin birth" occurred on Aug. 23 after a five-month incubation period and is only the second known birth without fertilization reported for an epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) in captivity, according to a statement. Animal care staff kept the pup hidden from the public for two months for monitoring but have now said the 5- to 6-inch (13 to 15 centimeters) female shark will be on display in the zoo's "Living Coasts" section.
