It's our birthday! The Two Oceans Aquarium turns 29

Over the past 29 years, the Two Oceans Aquarium has been home to thousands of animal and plant species. Big, small, microscopic - they've all shared this amazing space with us. Without the Aquarium, many people would never have the opportunity to encounter and learn about these incredible animals. That, in itself, is a huge deal! For every visitor who has experienced marine life for the first time, we've gained one more individual who understands the importance of our ocean.

But, it's not all about the visitor experience. Over the past 29 years, the Aquarium has developed a passionate team of ocean educators that, through our Foundation, reach tens of thousands of learners very year through school visits, classroom lessons - and even by adding the official Marine Sciences subject to South Africa's high school roster. Today, these education efforts continue under the umbrella of our Ocean Campus, as we look to expand our ocean education efforts to an even wider audience.

With the establishment of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation's Turtle Conservation Centre, thousands of injured or sick turtles have come through the Aquarium doors, been successfully rehabilitated, and then released back into the wild. Bokkie, Bob, Nobomvu, Yoshi, and the hundreds of hatchlings rescued this year - you've already heard the incredible stories of these precious ocean ambassadors.

Through our Foundation, we also contribute to a broad range of other local conservation and animal welfare efforts from helping trapped seals through the Marine Wildlife Management Programme, to being on call to assist with whale entanglements.

The Two Oceans Aquarium has accomplished a lot throughout its 29 years, and we're thankful for all of it. However, the thing that brings us the most satisfaction and joy is the knowledge that we're consistently contributing to creating lifelong memories and moments for individuals and their loved ones. Whether we're leading somebody towards a career in the ocean field through our education courses, learning to scuba dive, or simply making somebody smile when they see a penguin for the first time - these moments keep us going!