10/26/2018
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An unusual report and unusual response from commuter in San Francisco, middle of Fall 2018.
A gentleman riding the train noticed an estimated 40lb bat ray laying near the terminal doorways during stop at base of wharf and promptly detrained for a closer look and then immediately called authorities to report a distressed/dying bat ray and stood by as he was connected with Marine Mammal Center dispatcher who put him in contact with the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation via phones.
The commuter reported that the bat ray was covered in blood and apparent stab wounds thru the head and eyes and its tail was cut off (likely because of stinger) but still weakly flapping and apparently attempting to respirate.
The reporting party was informed that the specimen was likely landed by recreational fisherman and discarded, and apparently mutilated and cut up during the course of contact and left near the depot doorway as a sort of gag or mean joke.
The commuter, now late on his own schedule was informed the ray had no chance of surviving according to the details provided but if there was any chance at all the bat ray needed to be returned to the water immediately.
The reporting party abandoned his commute and fully dressed in business attire took it upon himself to grab up the mortally injured and clearly suffering 40-50 lb bat ray and carried out onto the wharf and hoisted it up over the wharf railings and dropped it back into the water.
The bat ray was seen to sink belly up amid a cloud of blood and then appeared to right itself and propel itself forward, still trailing blood as it sank from view.
After another brief conversation on the phone the commuter reentered the train station and rejoined his previously scheduled commuter train ride home.
It was not a good scenario, but the respondent reacted appropriately and with determination and kind gesture caught alot of attention and approval of fellow bystanders who witnessed the events but did not know how to respond or who to call for help.
At the very least the specimen was put to rest and not left to further cook under the hot sun laying there on the pier for all to see, and stare at in confusion and despair.
One person took steps and altho it was too little too late, it mattered.
I congratulate such persons for being able to respond, and even if one is wearing a business suit and very busy took time to notice, recognize a problem and make phone calls and actually step in, take the trouble to lend themselves to doing something righteous and kind for the poor bat ray and even picking the specimen up (terrible mess) and take responsibility and 'helped'.
Good work people !!! I see the kind gesture as more impressive and honorable than the behaviors of those who caught the bat ray and placed it near the depot door ways after stabbing and discarding it there for all to see.
