Thursday, May 08, 2008

Captive 1,00-pound manta ray returns to ocean



NASSAU, Bahamas - A 1,000-pound manta ray was returned to the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after three years as a research subject and tourist attraction at a Bahamian resort.

The massive black ray, known as "Zeus," was lowered from a helicopter on a hydraulically welded frame to ensure its safe entry into the water. It spans nearly 13 feet in diameter — including a 3-foot-wide mouth.

Marine biologists had studied the creature and will now use a satellite tracking tag to monitor its movements in the open sea.

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