Manta Ray Rehabilitated: What’s Next?
A giant oceanic manta ray (Manta birostris) rescued after being caught as by-catch in a fisherman’s net off the coast of Hualian County in February, has adapted well to its captive environment.
Researchers at the Eastern Marine Biology Research Center say that the manta ray’s injuries have healed, and the 150 kilogram animal is consuming 10 to 15 kilograms of Antarctic krill every day.
The ray was moved to a pool at the research facility after being caught on February 16. The vulnerable species is rarely seen in captivity. The research center’s director Ho Yuan-hsing (何源興) did not rule out the possibility that the ray might be moved to an aquarium in the interests of improving public understanding of marine biology.
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I wrote the director at yshu@mail.tfrin.gov.tw to lobby for the release of this precious creature back into the wild. Captivity in an aquarium is a death sentence. Please consider writing as well. Other links of interest:
http://www.mantatrust.org/behind-the-scenes-with-the-churaumi-aquarium-mantas/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mark_Deakos/publication/232061554_The_ecology_and_social_behavior_of_a_resident_manta_ray_M_alfredi_population_off_Maui_Hawaii/links/0fcfd507458bdb2c1c000000.pdf
Hi Tanya, sorry I took so long to approve your comment, I overlooked it. I’ll repost it on my blog’s Facebook page as well.