Manta gets a helicopter ride

A helicopter transfers Zeus - a 1,000-pound manta ray - from a captive marine viewing habitat to the Atlantic Ocean

The massive black ray, known as "Zeus," was lowered from a helicopter on a hydraulically welded frame to ensure its safe entry into the water. It spans nearly 4 meters (13 feet) in diameter — including a 1 meter (3-foot) mouth.

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

Relocating the ray from its 10.2 million-liter (2.7 million-gallon) aquarium took more than two hours, according to a statement issued by the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island.

Known for its water slides and pink-towered hotel, the Atlantis is the flagship resort of Kerzner International Holdings, a casino and hotel developer. The resort employs 7,800 people, making it the largest private employer in the Bahamas.