Updates on adopted manta rays
If you have adopted a Maldivian Manta Ray for yourself or a friend or family member, you might be wondering how your flappy friend is getting on! Below is a little update on the mantas that have been up for adoption over the past few years.
These updates are based on processed and input data up until the end of 2023.
Babaganoush (MV-MA-0033)
Babaganoush is possibly one of the most famous manta rays in the Maldives, if not the world! Following his unfortunate run-in with a boat propeller, he has made a remarkable recovery! Considering we were unsure if he would survive his injury in 2018, he is still being spotted in the water, most recently in October 2023! Since his first sighting at Nelivaru Thila in Baa Atoll in 2005, he has been seen 245 times since, and he is certainly a famous manta ray, with many divers and snorkellers recognising him in Baa Atoll.
Juno (MV-MA-0623)
First sighted back in Hanifaru Bay back in 2005, Juno has gone on to be sighted 147 times since across Baa and Ari Atolls, the last sighting being at the beginning of 2018. The majority of the sightings of Juno have been from Baa Atoll, but she has been seen in Ari on six different occasions over five years.
Mr Spotty (MV-MA-1016)
Mr. Spotty has continued to be one of the more regular male manta rays to visit the world-renowned Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Since his initial sighting in 2008, Mr. Spotty was recorded a further 322 times by citizen scientists and our research team in Baa Atoll! His most recent sighting was in October 2022. This incredibly spotty fella has been seen in 3 different atolls in the Maldives and our team members can always spot his belly from a mile away!
Mrs. Flappy (MV-MA-1184)
Mrs. Flappy was first sighted in Lhaviyani Atoll in 2018 and has since made repeated trips to Baa Atoll and back again. She is quite often seen feeding in Hanifaru Bay and was most recently seen by our team in 2020 in Baa Atoll. She has now been sighted a total of 105 times and was recorded pregnant on a couple of occasions.
Cheeky Monkey (MV-MA-4976)
Cheeky Monkey is the youngest of our adopted manta rays and is a definite favourite amongst many of our adopters. This adorable juvenile female was first seen in 2020 in Raa Atoll, Maldives, at a well-known hangout for manta babies. She has been seen 69 times since, most recently in 2022, cruising alongside the adult manta rays at the world-famous Hanifaru Bay!
Manta Claus (MV-MA-4503)
As with Santa Claus, sightings of this elusive manta ray are very rare! He was first seen in North Male Atoll enjoying a good clean from the resident cleaner fish in 2017, and has been seen 4 times since, most recently in 2023 at Boduhithi Thila.
We’re sure he’s busy preparing gifts for all the children around the world and will make an appearance when he needs to return to Rasfari North for a fish spa.
The Grinch (MV-MA-4759)
Another of our festival specials, The Grinch, has only been seen four times since his initial sighting in early 2019. Initially sighted during the scoping of our latest project based in Raa Atoll, this manta is sporting some impressive (but not fatal) injuries from a speed boat propeller.
Despite being a grumpy fella, he dutifully showed up for the team in Christmas 2023, who were thrilled to see him. We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for him next Christmas too!
Rudolph the Red Nosed Ray (MV-MA-1483)
Rudolph is a juvenile male manta (around 2.5m from wingtip to wingtip), who was first seen at Bathalaa Kandu in Fasdhūetherē Atoll in 2009. The young ray has been seen 43 times since, most recently in 2022. He sure spreads the festive energy in the water when he is encountered by our team members!
Faru Kokaa (Reef Butterfly) (MV-MB-0568)
This beautiful and elusive oceanic manta ray has only been seen twice, within two days on the 6th and 7th of April 2019, in Fuvahmulah Atoll South Maldives.
Our team will be looking out for Faru Kokaa in case he is flying by the reef again in 2024!
George the Giant (MV-MB-0537)
George the Giant was first sighted during the oceanic manta season in 2019 around Fuvahmulah. He was sighted on two separate days during the season but has not been sighted since. Re-sightings of oceanic manta rays are far less common than their smaller reef manta ray cousins. We will be back out in 2024 with our oceanic eyes peeled for George the Giant!
Gudi (Kite) (MV-MB-0632)
Gudi (Kite in Dhivehi) is a lucky manta indeed! This adult male oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) showed up in Fuvahmulah Atoll South Maldives trailing a few meters of thick fishing line in 2019. Luckily for him, divers from Fuvahmulah Dive School were on hand to remove the hook and line. He hasn’t been seen again since his initial sighting, so we are crossing our fingers that this beautiful ray is still cruising along happy and healthy in the ocean.