NASSAU, Bahamas

A 1,000-pound manta ray was returned to the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after three years as a research subject and tourist attraction at a Bahamian resort.

“Relocating this 1,000-pound manta ray from its 2.7 million-gallon aquarium took more than two hours Thursday. ”

The massive black ray, known as “Zeus” and with a mouth spanning more than 3 feet, was lowered from a helicopter on a hydraulically welded frame to ensure its safe entry into the water.

Marine biologists will now use a satellite tracking tag to monitor its movements in the open sea.

Relocating the ray from its 2.7-million-gallon aquarium took more than two hours.

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