‘Sea puppy pancakes’: what it’s like to pat a 300kg wild stingray | New Zealand

Off the east coast of New Zealand, a unique wildlife encounter is unfolding. A group of around 30 people, clad in khaki overalls and boots, recently gathered in a shallow reef, anticipating a visit from some remarkable marine creatures.

An Unexpected Connection

Their wait was short-lived. Six eagle rays and short-tailed stingrays, some weighing over 300kg, arrived, gliding through the water and interacting with the group. The stingrays approached people, gently brushing against legs and “slurping” fish from submerged hands, an action one observer likened to a vacuum cleaner.

The experience proved transformative for many. Bella, 19, who participated in a Dive Tatapouri tour near Gisborne in January, described the stingrays as “big sea puppy pancakes,” noting their affectionate behavior and desire for interaction. She said the encounter was “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen” and fundamentally changed her perspective on these animals.

A Local Phenomenon

New Zealand is home to three coastal stingray species, frequently seen in harbors and along the coastline. The area near Gisborne, specifically, offers a rare opportunity for safe, close encounters with these creatures in their natural habitat. Dive Tatapouri, owned by Dean and Chris Savage, is currently the only operator offering this type of wild stingray experience.

Dean Savage, a former commercial diver and underwater cameraman, built the business on a lifelong fascination with stingrays, stemming from childhood observations of his father interacting with them. He recognized a disconnect between the often-negative perception of stingrays and their actual behavior.

The Savages transformed a former sea urchin processing facility into an eco-tourism venture, capitalizing on the nearby reef’s role as a stingray nursery. Their approach prioritizes the animals’ well-being, limiting interactions to prevent dependence on human feeding and ensuring the stingrays maintain their natural behaviors.

Responsible Tourism and Conservation

The tours are carefully managed. Visitors are instructed to remain still and allow the stingrays to leave at their own pace and anyone displaying disrespect towards the animals is removed. The Savages emphasize their role as kaitiaki – guardians – of the reef and its inhabitants.

Over time, the resident stingrays have become familiar to the Savages, each developing a distinct personality. They’ve even been given names, including Pancake, Waffle, Hine, and Charlie, with some exhibiting particularly playful behaviors.

While wildlife tourism can raise concerns about disrupting ecosystems and animal behavior, Clinton Duffy, the marine biology curator at Auckland Museum, suggests that carefully managed experiences can be a “good conservation advocacy tool,” particularly when coupled with education about the threats facing these species.

The negative perception of stingrays may also be influenced by past events, such as the 2006 death of Australian naturalist Steve Irwin, who was killed by a stingray. However, Duffy emphasizes that stingrays are generally curious, gentle, and “really intelligent for a fish.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What species of stingrays are found in New Zealand?

New Zealand is home to three coastal stingray species, which are frequently spotted cruising harbours and coastlines.

How do the owners of Dive Tatapouri ensure the stingrays don’t become dependent on humans?

Dean and Chris Savage limit the number and length of interactions during the year, and at times may not interact with the animals for a month or six weeks, or during limited times in the winter.

What is the role of a kaitiaki?

A kaitiaki is a guardian, and the Savages see it as their responsibility to treat all the reef animals with respect.

What does a future hold for these unique encounters? Dive Tatapouri will continue to refine its practices to ensure the long-term well-being of the stingrays and their environment. It is also likely that increased awareness of these gentle creatures will inspire further conservation efforts. Perhaps, as more people experience the wonder of interacting with these animals, a greater appreciation for marine life will develop.