Athena, the resident manta at Atlantis, Paradise Island, is making her way through the wild waters of the Atlantic Ocean as of this morning. After two years and two months at Atlantis, the 798-pound manta ray was transferred from the resort’s 2.7 million-gallon marine habitat back into the Atlantic Ocean. Athena’s transfer, part of Atlantis’ renowned release and research program, marks the seventh successful manta ray release for the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accredited resort, whose marine husbandry practices and research have contributed greatly to data collection of the species.
On hand for Athena’s release was a team of 16 aquarists, two helicopter pilots, and a Eurocopter BO 105 LS A-3 helicopter. Athena, who has an impressive wingspan of 13 feet and a mouth opening of 25 inches, was transferred using a hand-woven net stretched across a custom-engineered frame designed to withstand the weight of the largest known species of ray. Once Athena was comfortably settled, the helicopter, with a lifting capacity of 1,800 pounds, raised the net on a hydraulically welded frame to ensure her maximum safety and comfort. It took 90 seconds for the team to complete the transfer, from lift-off to the Atlantic Ocean.
Athena’s final medical examination by the marine team, led by Todd Kemp, Senior Collector and Eric Anderson, Veterinarian for Atlantis, took place just before the airlift and found the resident manta in healthy condition.
The Atlantis marine team also attached an advanced version of a satellite PAT (Pop-Off Archival Tag) in order to track Athena’s movements over the course of six months. In January, the Atlantis marine team used a PAT satellite tag to track Poseidon, a 1,110-pound manta ray. Poseidon was the first manta ray Atlantis tracked for 180 days using a PAT (as opposed to the usual 90 days).
Collecting shared information from Athena and Poseidon will give the marine team better insight to the types of habitats manta rays frequent, the depth and temperature ranges, and help with conservation decisions of the species. Atlantis is the home of the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, with 50,000 marine animals and a state-of-the-art rescue and rehabilitation center. Atlantis is recognized for the highest standards in animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety.
