SeaWorld Launches 'Write the Ray' Essay Contest

SeaWorld San Diego was asking Southern California third and fourth grade students to write about the diversity of rays and the threats they face in the wild in the "Write the Ray" essay contest that was announced Friday.

Each class can submit an essay written to raise awareness about the diversity of the species, threats to them and ways students can help. Essays that detail a fictional day in a ray's life including where it lives, what it eats, how it survives and ways it can be helped would also be accepted.

"We are excited to bridge what students are learning in their classrooms with what we are doing here at SeaWorld in terms of conservation and care," said Laura Slanec, SeaWorld's director of education and conservation. "When children make a connection with animals they are more likely to take the actions needed to help save and protect them."

The essays will be judged on content, accuracy, originality and enthusiasm, according to park officials.

The winning classroom will receive a VIP experience at SeaWorld San Diego, which will include a tour and possibly a ride on the Manta Coaster, which is set to open May 26. Three runners-up will get a SeaWorld Cares assembly at their school.

All entries must be postmarked by April 30. Contest details and rules can be found at SeaWorldWriteTheRayEssay.com.

—City News Service