Ola’i Ray was identified on November 29, 2007, at Manta Heaven by Martina Wing. His wingspan was about 5 feet. He is still shy and visits infrequently.
In the Hawaiian language “Ola’i” means “Earthquake”. When we met Ola’i Ray for the first time, we also heard a weird noise underwater. As it turns out a 3.8 earthquake had hit the Kona area! Martina felt the earthquake at the Northern site, Jim felt it at the Southern. The manta rays did not change their feeding behavior at Manta Heaven, but the ones at Manta Village changed from feeding at the surface to going down to the bottom.
DESCRIPTION OF MARKINGS
Ola’i’s spot pattern is the universal sign for “I Love You”.
IDENTIFICATION DATE
November 29, 2007
GENDER
Male
SIZE OF WINGSPAN
5-6 feet
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