Environment

Swimming with Stingrays.

Environment

Posted by: EileenW1

22nd Dec 2011 09:27am

Living near to Australia Zoo, home of the late Steve Irwin who was killed by a stingray, I entered the waters off Grand Cayman Island with great trepidation. What was I thinking? Dozens of giant stingrays swam between my legs, brushing their velvety bodies in almost a caressing gesture. "Don't panic! Stay calm!" I told myself as our boat captain invited me to put my hands out slowly. I did and one enormous ray glided onto them, placing its fins around my shoulders and looked me straight in the eyes. Wow! It had trusted me just as I had trusted it and for a few brief moments two very different creatures shared the incredible joy of being alive in this amazing world.

(I have tried to make the photo small enough to send but just cannot do it - so frustrating as I have now spent 30 minutes - so giving up!)

That's me in the photo, approaching cautiously, about to experience one of the most unforgettable moments in my life

Comments 2

crikey
  • 18th Jun 2015 09:45pm

Sounds like you approached the rays the right way so that they were not frightened or threatened. I am glad you had that experience.

s
  • 13th Oct 2014 11:31am

How amazing!!! How brave!!!
Sounds like one of your life's highlights!!!
I hope one day you may be able to post the picture with technology growing rapidly it may be able to be done.

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