Happy Christmas from the Manta Trust! And other manta news this month

17 December, 2022

Another year has gone by and as always, we are so grateful for all of the support we receive from our global network of supporters. From running fundraising events, to submitting your manta ID photos, buying our manta themed merchandise, joining the cyclone and adopting manta rays, every little thing you all do helps us to protect manta rays around the world. We couldn't do it without you, so we want to say a huge THANK YOU to all who have supported us, however you have done so, and wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year. 

New Manta Adoption!

Cheeky Monkey is the newest kid on the manta block! This adorable juvenile female was first seen in 2020 in Raa Atoll, Maldives, at a well-known hangout for manta babies. She has since gained her confidence and has been seen cruising along with the adult manta rays at the world-famous Hanifaru Bay. If you would like to adopt this little cutie, or gift her adoption as a Christmas gift, check the link below!

Adopt Cheeky Monkey!

THE OCEANIC MANTAS OF REVILLAGIGEDO ARCHIPELAGO

This new study about the oceanic mantas of Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico (Socorro Islands), has provided the first population size estimate for this group, and found that 25% of the population are black morph (melanistic), which is higher than other populations around the world! It was also discovered that Revillagigedo National Park is an important refuge for this endangered species during El Niño events.

Learn more

SMILEY CHARITY FILM AWARDS

We’re super excited to announce our film 'Inspiring Ocean Guardians' which was filmed during our far north Maldives expedition last year, is in the running for the Smiley Charity Film Awards – the Oscars of charity film! Just a few clicks and your vote will help us get to the next stage...to see the full film and to cast your vote, click the link below!

Watch the film and vote!

MOVEMENT FOR GOOD AWARD - THANK YOU!

We received some wonderful news that we were one of the lucky winners in the Movement for Good awards...which is thanks to all of YOU that recently voted! We are so lucky to have such a passionate community of followers, that love mantas just as much as we do! The funds we have received will help to fund our education efforts in 2023...thank you, manta family <3

MAKUNUDHOO RESEARCH EXPEDITION

Our team are excited to be back in H.Dh Makunudhoo, Maldives resuming their research after a successful pilot project in March this year. Their time will be spent collecting further manta ray data on Makunudhoo's unique manta ray population, conducting marine education classes in the school and hosting community outreach and experience sessions. Make sure to follow our social media pages for regular updates from their trip! 

OTHER NEWS

Don't forget if you are a teach or educator, we have an Education portal filled with loads of free resources for you to use in your classroom or teaching space! We also have a brand new Education Newsletter which will have loads of extra information, ideas, careers advice and upcoming events. If you want to teach about marine conservation, make sure you visit the portal and sign up at the link below!

Education portal

Did you know?

Hanifaru Bay is home to the largest aggregation of manta rays, and it is all due to the perfect recipe of oceanographic conditions trapping zooplankton in to the shallow water system and providing a feast for these giant planktivores!

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