Tales from the Blue
Stories & News
Learning to swim
Learning to swim is empowering – especially for women who want to work in the ocean community! Having the confidence to explore the water, feeling safe when in a boat, or simply having access to swimming as a recreational activity are things that many take for granted. A number of the incredible women at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation took the step of learning to swim with Swimmable – taking their first steps into this new way of exploring the world (and making their first splashes in the water of the Aquarium’s I&J Ocean Exhibit).
A year of rehab and recovery for Nobomvu
On 14 July 2021, a loggerhead turtle entangled in ghost-netting was in dire need of intervention and was rescued on the beach in Gansbaai. Through the Turtle Network, this adult, stranded, cold-stunned sea turtle arrived at the Two Oceans Aquarium & was received by the turtle rehab team. This turtle was surprisingly strong during admittance into hospital; lifting her head, resisting restraint & also presented with no external injuries needing immediate intervention.
Hoodwinked by a Mola tecta
Hoodwinker sunfish were only recently discovered in 2017, after hiding in plain sight amongst the more commonly known 𝘔𝘰𝘭𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘭𝘢. So, when one of these rare animals was found washed up near Gansbaai, scientists from Dyer Island Conservation Trust and the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation were alerted and eager to work together to learn more about one of our ocean’s most unusual creatures.
Feedback from our Introduction to Marine Biology (Marine Biobasics) Course
The Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation runs several holiday enrichment courses (known as ‘The Marine Science Academy courses’) for young natural historians with a particular interest in marine topics.
As they progress through the courses and climb the grades, many of them express an interest in pursuing a marine related career. This generally starts off as wanting to be a ‘Marine Biologist’, but further research and guidance through our courses makes them aware of the huge variety of careers on offer. Our courses for Grades 6 to 9 provide a general insight into marine sciences, building up to our Grade Ten ‘Young Biologist’ Course, which provides a good combination of experiential learning as well as the opportunity to volunteer in the aquarium, if they want to.
The Marine Science Academy courses culminate in two five-day academic courses offered to Grade Elevens and Twelves (the latter on special request) who are considering studying Marine Sciences at a tertiary level, one on aspects of Biology and the second on Oceanography.
Turtle Road Trip 2022: Journey with a purpose!
This year’s Turtle Road Trip was different from past ones, as the team of the Turtle Rescue Programme used the opportunity to conduct in-depth field training with the people and organisations working on the ground monitoring and patrolling our coastline – we might be the people that rehabilitate turtles, but the men and women patrolling the hundreds of kilometers of coastline are the first line in saving a turtle’s life.
Sea Turtle Critical Care Update: Ripple effects of busy year of rehab
The ripple effects of a successful 2021 turtle rehab year, has allowed for the release of 44 turtles back into the big blue!
Turtle Program 2021- A Year in Review
This year has been the biggest year of growth for our turtle program thus far. I have summarized the year into monthly highlights, so that you too can marvel! It is however quite long, so I have attached an infographic with some of the key events and numbers .
Smart Living school visits with Anzio Abels
Perivale Primary School in Lotus River had a fun visit from the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation’s outreach teacher, Anzio Abels, to learn more about making smart choices and to live smartly. These lessons were made possible through the generous support of DHL Africa.
Learn to live smarter with Anzio Abels
Through the generous support of DHL Africa, we are able to visit children in under-resourced areas with our Smart Living outreach programme. Read about the frequent questions that our outreach teacher is asked by the learners.
The all-female dream team of our turtle rescue, rehabilitation and release programme
We rescue, rehabilitate and release sea turtles that have been found by members of the public along the southern coastline of the Western Cape. Meet the women that dedicate their time to the care of these vulnerable and endangered ocean animals.