Adopt a Ray!

The global population of rays and sharks has decreased by 71% in the last 50 years. More than 200 species of rays are considered threatened by the IUCN. They are vulnerable to overfishing and are killed for culinary and other uses. Rays are also at risk for accidental catch and entanglement in nets. Rays are also caught for use in zoos and aquariums, as well as bred in captivity. Rays in captive environments are vulnerable to injury and illness, often from being forced to interact with humans in touch tanks and have died in large numbers due to equipment failures.

Protect these animals by symbolically adopting a ray! Your adoption gift will support Born Free USA’s work to campaign for stronger international protections for ray species at CITES, deliver specialized training and enforcement support to officials protecting rays from illegal wildlife trade, and raise awareness of the suffering of rays in captivity through reports and investigations. For only $1 a week or $5 a month, you can create a brighter future for these animals.

In addition to knowing you are protecting this species, you will receive an adoption package that includes an adoption certificate, a species information sheet, a photo of a ray in the wild, and updates about our campaigns work. You can maximize your adoption gift by selecting the check box that reads “I’d like to increase the amount that gets to the ray by making this adoption virtual” to receive adoption materials via email (without a plush toy). These adoptions also make great gifts!