A Decade in Review 1995-2005 - from Small Fry to Big Fish

Západní kapsko • Western Cape Wes-Kaap • iTjhingalanga-Kapa • Kapa Bodikela • Kapa Bophirimela • Kapa-Vupeladyambu• Kapa Bophirima • Kapa Vhukovhela • Ntshona-Koloni • iKipi laseNtshonalanga

Two Oceans Aquarium


	A Decade in Review 1995-2005 - from Small Fry to Big Fish
	1995 • The city of Cape Town, the original maritime gateway to southern Africa, is an obvious site for a world-class aquarium. Few places in the world are in a more favourable position to feature the rich diversity of life found in two oceans, particularly in contrasting oceans such as the Indian and Atlantic. After eight years of research and 18 months of construction, the long-awaited Two Oceans Aquarium opens on 13 November 1995. • Longfin tuna Thunnus alalunga and snoek Thyrsites atun are displayed for the first time in the world. 1996 • The Minister of Trade and Industry, Trevor Manuel, officially opens the Two Oceans Aquarium on 10 February 1996. 1997 • Professor Kader Asmal, Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, opens the Old Mutual Environmental Education Centre. The Centre has been upgraded over the years and now boasts two fully equipped wet laboratories. • In recognition of fishing company Irvin & Johnson's continuing contribution to the upkeep of the animals in the Aquarium, the largest exhibit, the ‘Open Ocean Exhibit’, is renamed the ‘I&J Predator Exhibit’. • The Aquarium’s Adventure Dive Programme is launched – sport divers take the plunge with our ragged-tooth sharks, turtles, rays and fishes in the I&J Predator Exhibit. 1998 • The Alpha (now Holcim) Activity Centre in the Lower Seal Gallery is officially opened by the Minister of Environmental Affairs & Tourism Pallo Jordan, on 11 June 1998. • On 2 December 1998 the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) Sunfish Rehabilitation Centre opens. This facility provides an ideal opportunity to help sunfishes in distress and to gain much needed knowledge about these mysterious fishes. 1999 • The Aquarium opens its first large scale temporary exhibit, ‘Fangs’, which features a global collection of writhing eels and slithery sea creatures, including deadly sea snakes. • A themed experiential attraction reveals the ‘Guardians of the Lost Oceans’. • The ‘Fangs’ marketing and advertising campaign claims the annual Marketing Organisation of the Year Award presented by the Institute of Marketing Management (IMM). 2000 • With generous sponsorship from BoE Limited, visitors to the Aquarium are given the opportunity to appreciate the vast size of southern right whales Balaena glacialis in the form of a skeleton, loaned to the Aquarium by the Marine Environmental Education Trust. 2001 • The Sappi Eco-Theatre opens and features a short, yet powerful cinematographic experience entitled ‘The Web of Life’. We join a young boy on a journey during which he is reminded that human actions can have disastrous consequences for our environment. The presentation ends with the statement “If one person can make a difference, imagine what six billion of us can do – a thought to take home”. • On 8 December 2001 the Aquarium opens its second large-scale temporary exhibit, “The Living Dead – travelled in time, locked in rock’’. The exhibit includes ‘living fossils’ such as crocodiles, iguanas and giant deep-water isopods. Many of the animals on display have remained virtually unchanged over millions of years. • The first African penguin Spheniscus demersus chick to hatch in the Sappi River Meander Exhibit is tagged and sent to SANCCOB before being released into the wild. 2002 • The first fully equipped wet laboratory opens in the Old Mutual Environmental Education Centre. This exciting new facility, complete with aquariums, terrariums, microscopes and other laboratory equipment, provides opportunities for hands-on experiential learning and close inspection of a range of animals and plants. • Eighteen smooth-hound sharks Mustelus mustelus are born in the I&J Predator Exhibit on 17 August. 2003 • In partnership with the City of Cape Town, the Aquarium opens the Children’s Puppet Theatre on 10 March 2003. This fully automated three-act marionette presentation depicts a young boy, Tshepo, who learns about various water-related dilemmas. Using humour and music, a cast of vibrant, colourful characters conveys important environmental messages to the audience in an unusual and positive manner. • An African Black Oystercatcher chick Haematopus moquini hatches in the Sappi River Meander Exhibit. As far as we know this is the first time this endangered species has bred in captivity. 2004 • On 18 March 2004 the Aquarium, in collaboration with the AfriOceans Conservation Alliance, releases Maxine, a large (197kg) ragged-tooth shark Carcharias taurus, back into the oceans. Maxine is the iconic ambassador for the Save our Seas Foundation M-Sea (Maxine Science, Education and Awareness) Programme. With assistance from South Africa’s leading shark experts, the M-Sea Programme provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle of ragged-tooth sharks and to raise public awareness of the plight of sharks worldwide. • Dr Patrick Garratt, our Managing Director, is nominated as Vice Chair of the International Aquarium Forum at the 6th International Aquarium Congress in Monterey, California. • President Thabo Mbeki and Zanele Dlamini visit the Aquarium on Christmas Eve. 2005 • On 4 April 2005 we successfully release our second large female ragged-tooth shark, Val, off Saxon Reef near Arniston. This release is part of the Save Our Seas Foundation M-Sea Programme in collaboration with the AfriOceans Conservation Alliance initiative. • We introduce two young ragged-tooth sharks to the I&J Predator Exhibit – M.J. and El – to replace Maxine and Val. • ‘The Living Dead’ is closed after a successful four-year run. The foyer and entrance hall of the Aquarium undergo major changes and the ‘Oceans of Contrast – Indian Ocean Gallery’ opens featuring vibrant tropical beauties from the Indian Ocean. • On 13 November we celebrate the Two Oceans Aquarium’s 10th birthday! Source: official web of Two Oceans Aquarium (2010)