Watch: Outrage Grows Over Protected Manta Ray Capture in Florida Waters
A viral video has ignited international outcry, appearing to show a South Florida-based company removing a protected manta ray from her ocean home, reportedly to be shipped to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
The footage, taken near Shell Island off Panama City Beach, shows the large animal struggling in a black net as humans haul her aboard a white boat. “You should be ashamed of yourselves!” an onlooker shouts.
Denis Richard, founder and CEO of the tour company Water Planet USA recorded the now-viral footage. “I would be in distress if I had a hook tied under my arm and people were trying to haul me up on a boat,” he said.
The boat is reported to be part of Dynasty Marine Associates, a company that supplies marine animals to retail stores and for display at places like SeaWorld.
Manta rays are gentle, intelligent fish who glide through the open ocean using their wide, wing-like fins. They belong in the ocean, not behind glass at a marine park for humans to gawk at. These men abducted this manta ray from the only home she has likely ever known. This is the last time she’ll feel ocean waves. She doesn’t belong at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi or any other marine park. Just like all of the whales, orcas, and other dolphins at SeaWorld facilities, she belongs in the sea.
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