Animals have a remarkable impact on the development of young children. Research has shown that growing up with pets like cats or dogs teaches kids important values like responsibility and kindness. They learn from an early age that sharing is caring and tend to be happier than those without a furry companion.
But there is one boy named Joel who forged an extraordinary bond – with a giant manta ray.
Joel spends his time with local fishermen in Valle Gran Rey, a charming village in the Canary Islands. The harbor in this village attracts a variety of sea creatures, thanks to the bycatch discarded by the fishermen.
Among these unique creatures, there is a giant manta ray that greets little Joel every single day.
Joel and the other boy have discovered the secret to attracting their friend – they put their hands in the water and offer food. It’s remarkable to see how this massive manta ray recognizes Joel and allows him to pet it on the nose.
Joel feeds the manta ray shrimps, its favorite food. Kind-hearted fishermen who know about their special relationship make sure to leave a box full of shrimps for Joel to feed his friend.
Once the giant creature is full, it accepts another gentle petting on its nose and head before gracefully disappearing into the deep waters.
Unlike stingrays, mantas do not have a stinger and pose no harm to humans. They cannot kill people and are entirely harmless.
The heartwarming video of little Joel and his pal has captivated millions of viewers, reaching over 50 million views on YouTube. People were amazed by the extraordinary sight and were touched by this display of genuine friendship.
One comment read, “This restores my faith in humanity. These boys have good souls.”
Another viewer admired Joel’s respect towards the manta ray, saying, “This is truly amazing. It’s wonderful to see that the boy understands boundaries and doesn’t go too far, like jumping in with the ray. The way the ray responds to the boy is absolutely fantastic.”
Children bonding with animals is a sight we often witness, but having a giant manta ray as a friend is truly a rarity. It’s something you have to see to believe!
Let’s share this incredible story with our family and friends on Facebook, spreading the love and joy that this friendship brings.
