Manta rays are beautiful and majestic animals that have a life-changing effect on people who meet them. I want to protect them so humans can experience their transformational power for generations to come! My goal is to inspire people so they take action to protect the mantas' ecosystem and oceans all around the world.
From childhood dream to swimming with mantas for a living: Ashley's story
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So many kids say they want to work with animals when they grow up, but most end up doing something completely different. Our newest crew member, Ashley Jacob, didn't. At 12, she watched a movie about a dolphin with a prosthetic tail and decided she wanted to work with marine life in rescue and rehabilitation. Today, she's a swim guide at Manta Ray Advocates while finishing her master's thesis and training students in California to continue the elephant seal research she began. In this week’s episode of the Ocean Wings podcast, Ashley and I talked about how she got here - the choices she made, the doors that opened, and what it’s like to witness people having life-changing encounters with manta rays night after night. Her advice for anyone wanting to follow a similar path: solid education is the starting block, but you don’t need a perfect execution or a flawless plan. Passion and willpower matter more. Just take one step at a time and follow the opportunities that feel right.
Ashley's living proof that childhood dreams can turn into a career - if you’re willing to keep showing up for them.
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Martina Wing
Manta rays are beautiful and majestic animals that have a life-changing effect on people who meet them. I want to protect them so humans can experience their transformational power for generations to come! My goal is to inspire people so they take action to protect the mantas' ecosystem and oceans all around the world.
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