Baby Manta Dies

A baby giant manta ray -- claimed to be the first in the world to be born in captivity -- died at a Japanese aquarium Thursday after being abused by its father, its Japanese keepers said. The female baby manta was born Saturday at southern Japan's Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, more than a year after its parents mated. Aquarium officials said it was the first giant manta born in captivity. The baby manta, which was 1.9 meters (just over 6 feet) wide, was pronounced dead Thursday morning, the aquarium said in a statement. "To our greatest regret, (the baby) didn't last very long, despite our meticulous care," it said. Keepers believe the baby died of bruises and cuts apparently caused by its abusive father, which constantly chased after the baby and often slammed into it, the aquarium said...