Zeus the 980lbs Giant Manta Ray



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Zeus is a 980lbs giant manta ray that was living happily at an Atlantis resort as part of a research and release program was released to the ocean the other day. Here’s a picture of mighty Zeus.

About 13ft in diameter, they had to transport him via helicopter to the ocean. He spent 3 happy years as a tourist attraction but is now free to roam the ocean. Marine biologist will monitor his condition and movement via a tracking device to make sure Zeus is okay!

zeus giant manta ray


{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }

Susan May 13, 2008 at 6:17 am

I am so glad I went to Atlantis and saw Zeus last summer in 2007 and have pictures of him. He is so beautiful and I hope he does ok in the wild it was a wonderful to see him being released on the today show it brought tears to my eyes!

Johnny May 13, 2008 at 3:49 pm

really! do you have any pictures you want to share! 😀

Amanda May 13, 2008 at 7:30 pm

I was there when this all went down…i have tons of pics…we got up at 6am just to get down there in time and waited anxiously til abt 9:30am where the helicopter came sputtering around. It was so exciting! It was a total “Free Willy” moment…i have them all on my myspace…i think u can search me by typin in onevisionoflove..my profile is private but my pics are public which im hoping means u guys can see them, im not sure

Johnny May 14, 2008 at 10:12 am

yea..i think if your profile is private, nobody can access the pictures? that would be interesting to see!

jeffry r. johnston May 19, 2008 at 5:17 pm

How long was he outta the water for? That picture is crazy! Thanks for sharing; I hadn’t heard about this.

Anita June 30, 2009 at 8:40 am

I am saddened to see animals removed from their natural habitat to be used for the pleasure of man. I will “never” visit Atlantis for that very reason.

Fairbrian June 30, 2009 at 12:31 pm

Wow, I just stumbled across this image from Bing and I too am happy that I was able to see Zeus in 2007. That guy was HUGE! My girlfriend and I have beed talking about him ever since we saw him. I think I have a video of him swimming around the Atlantis. Hope he does well.

Person June 30, 2009 at 2:59 pm

Wait did u killl the poor thing?If you did then WOW, JUST WOW

robert June 30, 2009 at 9:13 pm

Stay home anita miss seeing the world. dumbass

robert June 30, 2009 at 9:18 pm

Anita really stay home— you will be safe . Are you really that close minded –you probably cant afford the trip. wow.

april May 7, 2010 at 7:49 am

“pleasure of man”?.. Really?..its called research and release..can you not read? With the help of Zues they are able to save thousands of others and make sure their habitats stay safe and healthy for not only mantas, but all thypes of sea life. You live in a fairytail world..do some more research before you start complaining about animals being taken form thier natural habitats…

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