http://www.speakupforblue.com/?p=3172
In 2006, the world lost a great and entertaining Ocean Leader doing what he loves best. Steve Irwin died from a puncture wound in his heart by a Stingray while shooting his latest episode of the Crocodile Hunter. Steve was trying to show how gentle the creatures and teaching viewers about the biology of the stingray. As Steve was showing the stinger above a stingray's tail, the stinger punctured his heart and he later passed away due to his injuries. Such a freak accident caused the loss of one of a man who loved nature and wildlife.
Since then, stingrays have gotten a bad rap. I hear people talking about stingrays saying that they are afraid of them because they don't want the same fate as Steve Irwin. I constantly tell people that stingrays are extremely gentle and no one would tell them more than Steve Irwin himself. He would hate to see what has happened to these magnificent creatures over the past 6 year.
Richard Wylie, a marine biologist in Australia, is also disappointed by the reputation gained by this peaceful animal. He writes in a opinion piece that since the Steve Irwin incident, there have been many instances of mutilation and death. All because of one freak incident.
So what can be done about this reputation...Well first of all, we need to educate people on the harmless nature of stingrays and their gentle behaviour. We cannot allow anyone to portray these animals as dangerous because that would be a complete and utter lie.
Next we need to teach divers and snorkelers how to behave around stingrays while in the water. For instance, no one should touch a stingray, or any other wildlife during their excursion, especially from behind.
The final thing we need to do is look into protect stingrays in areas where deaths due to humans have occurred. As this step will drastically reduce the number of deaths and mutilations that happen for no reason but a bad reputation.
Question of the Day:
How else do you think we can protect stingrays?
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Please watch: "Manatee: Are they still at risk?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIs3oXJRUtk
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