The manta ray who recognised a diver

It’s an incredible story of a human-animal bond. A manta ray with fishing hooks stuck under her eye was rescued by passing divers after she recognised one of them! We’re joined by the man himself, Jake Wilton, live from Australia.

“We were swimming with her for a while, and I would dive down and try and get closer, then she started approaching me. After a while I went in close and she just rolled over. I cut the fishing line off first and then tried to remove the hook with pliers. It’s the first time I’ve used pliers in my life! Freckles was willing, but definitely apprehensive.” - Jake Wilton

Did you know?

- Manta rays can grow up to seven metres wide and live up to 50 years old

- Manta rays are thought to be some of the most intelligent creatures in the ocean