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Here's all the information you need to know about giant squids in South Africa. When you think "giant squids", you probably envisage huge, ship-capsizing krakens and bizarre sea monsters. Although this fantastical depiction of the giant squid is just that, a fantasy, giant squids are very real and are actually very much a part of South Africa's marine heritage, and the excitement generated when the carcasses of these marvellous animals wash up on the West Coast is proof of that.

Sometimes we like to take a step back, to celebrate our incredible biodiversity, as well as to highlight the progress that has been made in our country to create awareness of environmental challenges and the actions, and successes, that have made an impact in acting on these challenges. The Two Oceans Aquarium believes that one achievement all South Africans can definitely be proud of is the establishment of 42 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) throughout our territorial waters.

Alichia Nortjé is the Guest Experiences Manager of the Two Oceans Aquarium - the person responsible for training our friendly floor staff, creating wonderful experiences for our annual members and ensuring visitors to the Aquarium are always greeted with a smile by knowledgeable guides. If you're a member, you've almost certainly been met with a smile by Alichia at some point. The letter below is from Alichia to our members and loyal supporters throughout the years. Thank you!

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is offering a brand-new online course, run by research manager, Dr Nathalie Viljoen. This course is an introduction to the biology, anatomy and physiology of marine fish and is well-suited for those with a deep interest in marine fish and how they work.

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is excited to offer a new course via its e-learning platform! This course is aimed at adults who want to learn more about the amazing rocky shore ecosystem found along the Cape Peninsula shoreline. What is the difference between the two oceans off the Southern African coastline? Which animals and seaweeds can you find living in the rock pools? When is the best time to visit these rock pools? What impacts do we have on the ocean and what can we do to mitigate these impacts?

The Two Oceans Aquarium is one of our family's truly happy places, and one of Cape Town's best places to visit for local and overseas visitors. Not only is it a fabulous place to visit because of all the ocean love, the fantastic programmes and things to do there as a visitor, but did you know that they, along with their registered non-profit and public benefit partner the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, have courses for young marine enthusiasts to take part in and enjoy?

Unlike humans, that need help seeing under water, there are a couple of marine animals that have excellent, and sometimes weird, eyes. Today, we have a line-up of marine animals with spectacular, wonderful, fascinating and frightening eyes.

Celebrate World Turtle Day with a game - Turtle Adventure is a boardgame suitable for all ages. Help an endangered sea turtle navigate the dangers of the ocean, from ghost fishing nets to hungry seagulls, to find a safe nesting ground! But it's not all danger; there are plenty of facts and milestones to give your turtle the edge to beat the other players too!

Although the Two Oceans Aquarium is closed, we don't get to take a break when it comes to caring for our animals. Every day's challenges are unique - from teaching social distancing to sharks and checking up on Nemo's home to making a lockdown beach visit to find food for hungry snails.

Good news! The Two Oceans Aquarium's online store is open again, allowing you to buy or renew value-packed annual memberships, get Aquarium tickets in anticipation of our reopening, or make a small donation directly to conservation and rehabilitation efforts.

If you buy an annual membership or day ticket now, you will be able to have the full Aquarium experience when we reopen. Visit the fish, sharks, penguins and other ocean favourites - we know they are missing you too! Your advanced purchase will help us greatly in continuing our operations until then. Sea you soon!

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation's next paid, online course is for all of you aspiring marine scientists. Oceanography forms part of the marine sciences and will be a vital aspect for anyone keen to study marine sciences at a tertiary level – even if the aim is to study marine biology.