AP Photo/Mario Nixon

PARADISE ISLAND, THE BAHAMAS – Today at Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas, the only aquarium in the Western Hemisphere to presently care for and study the manta, a team of 20 marine aquarists successfully completed the transfer of a 1,000-pound manta ray from the resort’s 2.7 million-gallon marine habitat back into the Atlantic Ocean as part of their renowned release and research program.   Zeus, who has been at the resort for almost three years, received white glove treatment by the Atlantis team as he was measured at a final wingspan of almost 13-feet, with a mouth opening of 37 inches.

AP Photo/Tim Aylen

The two-hour process to move Zeus involved a hand-woven net stretched across a custom-engineered frame designed to withstand the weight of the largest known species of ray.  A Eurocopter AS -350B3 Astar helicopter, with the lifting capacity of 3,500 pounds, raised the net on a hydraulically welded frame to ensure the maximum safety and comfort of the animal.  This move marks the fourth successful manta release for the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accredited resort, whose marine husbandry practices and research have contributed greatly to the acquisition of data on this species of which little is known.

A helicopter transfers a 1,000-pound manta ray named Zeus from a captive marine viewing habitat to the Atlantic Ocean as part of a release and research program at Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas, Thursday, May 8, 2008. Zeus, who has been at the resort for almost three years, was measured at a final wingspan of almost 13-feet, according to resort management. Marine biologists plan to monitor Zeus through a satellite tracking tag placed just prior to release. AP Photo/Mario Nixon

Before the airlift, Zeus received a comprehensive medical examination by the team led by Frank Murru, Chief Marine Officer of Kerzner International, Atlantis’ parent company, and Michelle Liu, Vice President of Marine Aquarium Operations for Atlantis.  As the Atlantis team successfully obtained the first-ever documented blood sample from a manta ray, they were joined by Dr. Bob Heuter, Director of the Center of Shark Research for Mote Marine Laboratory, whose group will be assisting with retrieval and interpretation of data received over the next several months via a satellite tracking tag placed on the manta just prior to release.

Information from Zeus is expected to reach the Mote Marine facility in approximately six months, once the tag separates from the manta and surfaces.  This tracking information will be valuable not only to Atlantis in their care for the two remaining mantas at the resort, but to all zoos’ and aquariums’ researchers and educators, as they work in tandem to learn more about this unique and mysterious giant of the marine world.  Rose, the manta ray released from Atlantis in 2005, was last tracked in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 36 miles from the coast of Georgia.

“Little behavioral and biological information is currently available about manta rays, which are classified in the same biological class as sharks, so the data we expect to yield from Zeus’ blood sample and satellite tag will be extremely important to adding to the body of knowledge about this species,” Murru said.  “The more we can learn about these animals in their natural habitat, the better we are able to protect their environment.”

Atlantis was awarded accreditation from the AZA in March 2007, and 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.  The resort is recognized for the highest standards in animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety.

AP Photo/Tim Aylen

About Atlantis, Paradise Island resort, The Bahamas:

Atlantis, Paradise Island is the flagship resort of Kerzner International, a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels.  This unique, ocean-themed destination is located on Paradise Island, The Bahamas, and features a variety of accommodations, all built around a 97-acre waterscape comprised of over 20 million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools and habitats.  Home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world – second only to Mother Nature – there are over 50,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays, including The Dig, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Atlantis unveiled AQUAVENTURE, a non-stop water experience consisting of thrilling new water slides, a mile-long river ride with high intensity rapids and wave surges, and never-before-seen special effects.  Dolphin Cay was created with the goal of enlightening visitors about the wonders of these remarkable ocean inhabitants.  The Cove Atlantis, a 600-room resort, features oversized rooms with a step down living space, spectacular designs by acclaimed interior architects Jeffrey Beers and David Rockwell, unprecedented services and amenities, private all-adult and family pools, lavish cabanas and breathtaking views of the ocean.  Atlantis is also known as THE culinary destination in The Caribbean with a collection of restaurants from world-renowned chefs including Nobu Matsuhisa, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Bobby Flay and Angelo Elia.  The resort boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops and the largest conference center, meeting and convention facilities in The Caribbean.

In 2005, Kerzner International, the parent company of Atlantis, Paradise Island, made a commitment to invest more than $5 million over five years to support Kerzner Marine Foundation (KMF), a non-profit foundation that seeks to foster the preservation and enhancement of global marine ecosystems through scientific research, education and community outreach.


For further information about Atlantis, Paradise Island; telephone 954-809-2000, or visit Atlantis.com.  For reservations, call your travel agent or 800-ATLANTIS.

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