By SARA McCORQUODALE
Last updated at 14:52 09 May 2008
His namesake is the mythological god of the sky but as Zeus the manta ray flew through the clouds, he was at the mercy of a helicopter until it reached the shore.
The 70-stone sea creature was carried on a vast net to the Atlantic Ocean from Paradise Island in the Bahamas, where he had been in captivity for three years.
As part of a research and release program at the Atlantis resort, the massive black ray was lowered into the open sea.
Spanning 13ft in diameter, Zeus had to be transported on a hydraulically welded frame to make sure he got to the water safely.
Following the two hour journey, the Ray, which has a 3dt-wide mouth, was released after spending three years as a popular tourist attraction at the resort.
Marine biologists will now monitor his movements through a satellite tracking tag.
Last updated at 14:52 09 May 2008
His namesake is the mythological god of the sky but as Zeus the manta ray flew through the clouds, he was at the mercy of a helicopter until it reached the shore.
The 70-stone sea creature was carried on a vast net to the Atlantic Ocean from Paradise Island in the Bahamas, where he had been in captivity for three years.
As part of a research and release program at the Atlantis resort, the massive black ray was lowered into the open sea.
Spanning 13ft in diameter, Zeus had to be transported on a hydraulically welded frame to make sure he got to the water safely.
Following the two hour journey, the Ray, which has a 3dt-wide mouth, was released after spending three years as a popular tourist attraction at the resort.
Marine biologists will now monitor his movements through a satellite tracking tag.
