Baby Manta Ray at Japan Aquarium Dies

[tmfleo1]

Baby Manta Ray at Japan Aquarium Dies
By Associated Press
Thu Jun 21, 3:55 AM

TOKYO - A giant manta ray baby that was believed to be the first born in captivity died Thursday after being abused by its father, Japanese keepers said.

The female baby manta was born Saturday at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, more than a year after its parents mated.

The baby manta, which was more than 6 feet wide, was pronounced dead Thursday morning after living only 4 1/2 days, the aquarium said in a statement.

"To our greatest regret, (the baby) didn't last very long, despite our meticulous care," it said.

Keepers believe the baby died of bruises and cuts, apparently caused by its abusive father that constantly chased after the baby, often slamming into it, the aquarium said.

The reason for the father's violence was not immediately known, and the baby's death was still under investigation, the aquarium said.

Okinawa is about 1,000 miles southwest of Tokyo.

[Sleepy_FF]

thats so sad!

but... i think ive BEEN there. lol. i know my parents have. i was born in okinawa. i am going to have to ask them.


sad bout the ray.

[mpgt]

I think I would've removed the male. I know that's not easy, but there must be a way.

[TammyJamaica]

Why did they leave the father in there??? Are they stupid or what???

[project_evolution]

it seems to me that the male would have been removed.i wouldnt call leaving him/her together after the baby was born meticulous care.sounds to me like they sat and scratched their heads while the baby was killed.

[VoodooChile]

I dont know much about mantas, are the males usually agressive to the offspring? Some animals are, I know. Perhaps if they aren't the parent sensed a genetic flaw in the baby that would prevent its survival anyways?
I have no idea, but it seems like they would have found a way to separate them after watching the father show agression..?

[TammyJamaica]

I don't know about mantas, but for sure a lot of "baby fathers" in the animal kingdom (eg. rabbits) just are not around when their babies are born, and there's a good reason for that! These people keeping the mantas should have known that, and that precious baby would probably have survived.

Maybe they tried to separate them and it was too late.

[TheBoaGuy]

This is probably a case of not having another place to put the father. Poor judgment on the owners if you ask me. Before they even had the female get pregnant they should of had a place to put the father or the baby. Just my opinion i could be wrong: )

[Chubbz]

theres only one way to learn and unfortunately this was the wrong way