Residents of Chowder Bay in Sydney are in shock after discovering that a well-known stingray, known as “Stumpy,” was found hacked to death. The bull ray was a familiar sight for local swimmers, snorkelers, and divers who frequented the area.
James Weaire, a member of the Friends of Chowder Bay Facebook group, shared images of the mutilated stingray following a night dive over the weekend. Weaire expressed his horror over the incident, noting that Stumpy had been a beloved and friendly presence in the bay.
Weaire described Stumpy as a “playful” and enjoyable part of the local marine life, likening the loss to that of a cherished pet. “It was like having a pet – you feel like somebody just killed your dog,” he said.
The images of the dead stingray, which appeared to be missing its fins, raise concerns about potential dangers. The discarded carcass could attract predators such as bull sharks to the area, posing a risk to both wildlife and swimmers.
