Happy Birthday to the Two Oceans Aquarium!

Wow, can you believe it? The amazing Two Oceans Aquarium is turning 25 years old on November 13, 2020! That’s a quarter of a century of wonder and discovery. I can’t wait to celebrate!

This special place gives you an incredible chance to dive into the incredible world beneath the ocean’s surface. You’ll be able to explore all the different creatures and plants that call the southern African coast their home. It’s like stepping into a whole new universe!

What makes the Two Oceans Aquarium so incredible is the tremendous variety of life you’ll encounter there. Some of these living beings are found nowhere else on Earth. Talk about unique and special!

But here’s the thing: the Aquarium also wants to teach us an important lesson. It wants to show us the harm that humans can cause to the ocean. Things like plastic pollution and overfishing are big problems, and the Two Oceans Aquarium is here to help us understand and find ways to fix them. We can all be superheroes for the sea!

The Two Oceans Aquarium: Where Conservation, Education, and Research Come Together

Hey there! Have you ever been to the Two Oceans Aquarium? It’s a real hit with kids, parents, and even grandparents! Just imagine all the fun and learning that awaits you.

A Big Focus on Conservation, Education, and Research

Did you know that in 2018, the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation (NPO/PBO) was created? Its mission is to support and expand efforts in conservation, education, and research. Pretty cool, right?

The amazing work carried out by the foundation includes marine science education programs, a turtle rehabilitation program, and a Marine Wildlife Management Program. These programs have been around for a while and are highly respected.

The Two Oceans Aquarium has a clear vision: they want our oceans to be abundant and healthy. Their mission? To inspire action that will ensure the well-being of our oceans in the future. They are truly driven by their dedication to education and conservation.

In 1995, the Aquarium first opened its doors, and over the years, it has become a popular destination for more than 10 million visitors. Among these visitors, 6 million are local, which shows how much it is loved by both locals and international travelers. The Aquarium has earned a strong reputation within the global aquarium and tourism industries, and it is a prominent institution for conservation and education.

Michael Farquhar, the CEO of the Two Oceans Aquarium, remarked, “It’s truly amazing to think that the Two Oceans Aquarium has reached the milestone of being a 25-year-old establishment. Throughout this time, it has flourished into a beloved facility known for its commitment to conservation, education, and research.”

Wow, we’ve come so far and accomplished so much together! It’s all thanks to you, our amazing visitors, and our incredible members who have become part of our Aquarium family. We couldn’t have done it without you. We also want to give a big shoutout to our partners who have helped us build our reputation, not just in our local community but also on the global stage.

And let’s not forget about our dedicated staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect and preserve our oceans. They are the unsung heroes behind our success.

From the bottom of our hearts, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support throughout the years. You’ve been with us every step of the way, and we are excited to continue this journey together for another 25 years.

Look at this picture of a baby turtle swimming in a tank full of tiny pieces of plastic. It’s sad to think about how much pollution there is in our oceans. But did you know that places like the Two Oceans Aquarium are doing their best to educate people about this problem and inspire them to take action?

Who Helps the Aquarium

The Two Oceans Aquarium is a business that doesn’t get any money from the government. Instead, it relies on people visiting and other activities like meetings and events. The Aquarium also has special partners, like the Save Our Seas Foundation, Skretting, and I&J. These partners give extra support to help the Aquarium achieve its mission of teaching people about the ocean and how to protect it.

The Aquarium is also part of a larger community of aquariums around the world. They all work together to help each other and share ideas. In fact, the Two Oceans Aquarium was trusted to host an important international conference for aquariums in 2012.

This was a monumental moment – the conference’s first time being held in Africa, and in the Southern Hemisphere nonetheless.

Just like its counterparts in North America, Europe, and Asia, the Two Oceans Aquarium has made the education and protection of the ocean a central part of its mission. That’s why it’s no surprise that international tourists consistently choose to visit our aquarium.

Over the years, nearly half of our visitors have come from outside of South Africa. Unfortunately, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has significantly decreased that number. However, we eagerly await the return of international visitors to our aquarium.

I can’t wait to welcome back all the visitors to the Aquarium, especially the locals who make up the majority of our footfall. It’s always exciting to see people experiencing the beauty of the underwater world.

We’re really proud of our sustainability journey so far. In fact, we joined the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme back in 2007! We’ve come a long way since then and we’re now a Diamond member, which is the highest ranking in the rating programme.

Our efforts have been recognized too! In 2019, we won the Gold Award for ‘Best Responsible Attraction’ at the African Responsible Tourism Awards. And that’s not all, we also got a Silver Award for ‘Best for Global Goals Reporting’. We’re committed to making a positive impact and it’s great to be acknowledged for our efforts.

When it comes to the Two Oceans Aquarium, it means different things to different people. As the Marketing Manager, I find this to be both a delightful and challenging aspect of my role.

On one hand, the local community sees the Aquarium as a cherished and trusted place. This is evident from our large annual membership base. On the other hand, we are recognized as a top-notch tourist attraction with a focus on education and values. But there’s more to us than that.

We offer a wide range of experiences that cater to various interests. Whether you’re interested in scuba diving, attending a classroom lesson, watching a puppet show, enjoying live music, or hosting a corporate function, we’ve got you covered. Our primary goal is to ensure that every visitor leaves the Aquarium with an increased love and respect for our life-giving ocean.

The heart of the Two Oceans Aquarium

When you visit the Aquarium, you get more than just a chance to see incredible marine life up close. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of the underwater world, and it offers so much more than meets the eye.

Imagine hosting a conference with the mesmerizing Kelp Forest Exhibit as your backdrop. The serene beauty of the kelp forest will create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for productive discussions and creative thinking.

Or picture yourself enjoying a dinner or cocktail party in front of the spectacular I&J Ocean Exhibit. As you dine, you’ll have the company of majestic sharks and a vibrant array of fish. These ever-changing “guests” will make your event truly unforgettable.

Did you know that sharks are incredibly important for the health of our oceans? These incredible creatures play a vital role in marine ecosystems, helping to maintain a balance in the underwater world.

For adventure seekers, there’s an exciting opportunity to dive in the Aquarium’s large exhibits and take guided tours. You can even arrange a tour for your group with the help of the Aquarium’s dedicated tourism department.

As the Aquarium looks to the future, there is always space for growth and innovation in how they communicate their messages of education, conservation, and research. Through captivating exhibits, the Aquarium Foundation, engaging public talks, and their informative website and social media platforms, the Aquarium is dedicated to solidifying its presence in Cape Town, South Africa, and the global aquarium and tourism communities.