Kamala Ray was first identified on November 23, 2021, in Kauna’oa Bay by Martina Wing.
The size of the pup was 2-3 feet fin tip to fin tip and she must have been very young as it was showing “fetal folds” on her back. A pup is born live by being expelled from the adult female’s womb with its fins wrapped around the body. Imagine it like a burrito ~ they unfold right after birth, start moving forward, and then swim for the rest of their life in perpetual motion. It is not known how long it takes for the “fetal folds” to disappear. Our team has been in the water with manta rays for a combined 50+ years and we have not seen anything like it. It was a very exciting night to get never-before-seen footage of a pup with “fetal folds”.
The name of this manta ray is “Kamala” after the current US Vice President Kamala Harris.
We want to acknowledge and honor many things about her but most importantly being a trailblazer for women around the globe. She is breaking the ceiling as the first female vice president and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, as well as the first African American and first Asian American vice president.
It’s a big deal.
Martina, who first identified her, was born in Germany and is now a US Citizen, is used to having a woman lead a powerful country and is thrilled to see this in the USA.
You might wonder why we would bring politics into this? It is simple: Martina is a passionate activist, environmentalist, and animal lover her whole life, and has been gravely concerned by the ongoing threats that our planet is facing. In particular, how the narrative is being shaped by those who have the loudest and most organized messaging, not for the betterment of the world, but for its destruction.
While Martina inherently believes in the good of people, she is constantly trying to find a way to be a voice for the voiceless. This is reflected in our company’s simple motto of “DO NO HARM”. Only the right policies will bring real change and those are created by politicians. For too long, we have not paid attention to that process, and believe this has happened to many. For too long, we’ve been told to shy away from speaking up for what is wrong, but this has only led to these tumultuous times.
If you are upset about the name: good, we’ve got your attention. If you like the name and what it stands for: even better.
Never lose sight of where humanity must direct itself so future generations have a chance to see and encounter the wonders of nature, especially the beautiful and gentle manta rays. We encourage everyone reading this to pay attention to politics and to speak up if you see and hear injustice.
DESCRIPTION OF MARKINGS
Kamala Ray’s markings are a distinct “W” with 2x dots above.
IDENTIFICATION DATE
November 23, 2021
GENDER
Female
SIZE OF WINGSPAN
2-3 feet
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