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Why are we waddling for the African penguin?
On African Penguin Awareness Day, we will be waddling for the African penguin. Why? Because this charismatic seabird is threatened with extinction, and we need to act now.
Cape Town is synonymous with the iconic African penguin – they are one of the most recognisable features of the Western Cape coastline. Not only are they the only penguin species found on the African continent, but they are also an incredible eco-tourism drawcard! Unfortunately, estimates state that their species will be functionally extinct by 2035.
Our Marine Wildlife Management team learnt how to disentangle whales!
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Marine Wildlife Management Programme (MWMP) is devoted to preserving the welfare of the abundant wildlife within the V&A Waterfront and its surroundings. While our team’s most regular interactions are with Cape fur seals, Cape clawless otters, and seabirds, we are also committed to upskilling whenever possible. This extends to learning how to disentangle whales!
We launched our Ocean Campus on World Teachers' Day!
On World Teachers’ Day, 5 October 2024, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation launched its new Ocean Campus with a celebration of teachers and the ocean. Given the multiple threats facing the ocean and the importance of protecting its health, the Foundation’s Ocean Campus launch has come at a critical time to oversee the expansion of its educational work across the country and the continent.
You can help save the critically endangered African penguin
With its distinctive donkey-like bray and plumage resembling a tuxedo, the African penguin is a charismatic seabird native to the coastlines of South Africa and Namibia. Tragically, its populations are now endangered as only 1% of African penguins remain from pre-industrial times, plummeting from over 1 million breeding pairs in the early 1900s to less than 10,400 pairs today. With such low numbers, the birds are projected to be functionally extinct by 2035.
From ocean to plate: Driving sustainable seafood on the V&A Waterfront
Seafood is indispensable to the Western Cape. It serves as a major economic driver in the region, with the fishing industry employing over 50,000 people and contributing billions of rands to the economy each year. However, our current seafood consumption habits are depleting global fish stocks and harming ocean ecosystems.
Raising awareness for the African penguin with our biggest waddle yet!
In support of #NotOnOurWatch and the future of the African penguin, we waddled with CapeRADD, SANCCOB, and I AM WATER from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town on Saturday, 12 October. Along with our collective community of waddlers, we aimed to give a voice to this charismatic seabird and inspire collective action for their preservation and protection.
The ocean: A vital resource for all
When you think of the ocean, what comes to mind?
How about a place where people can go to relax and enjoy the sun? A place where dolphins frolic and whales swim? Or perhaps it’s just a big, blue vastness that is so far away from your daily life that you forget it exists?
The truth is, the ocean is much more than what we perceive it to be – it is home to hundreds of thousands of species. It is also a majestic force that helps us breathe and keeps us alive – it feeds us, gives us energy, gives us medicines and other products, and provides a place to relax and play. The list goes on!
Five ocean truths you need to hear
The ocean covers 71% of Earth’s surface. It is home to an estimated 95% of all life, and the planet’s longest mountain range lies under the waves. And yet, we know more about the surface of the moon than we know about our ocean. Misconceptions about the ocean can get in the way of us protecting some of the planet’s most vital resources.
Life lessons from our Two Oceans Aquarium inhabitants
We have some fascinating creatures at the Two Oceans Aquarium, and over the years we have learned a thing or two from these seasoned sailors …
Dr Sylvia Earle's appeal to save the African penguin
The African penguin is facing extinction, and Dr Sylvia Earle adds her voice to the call for definitive action to save this species for future generations.
Working together to mitigate the effects of rabies among Cape fur seals in the Western Cape
Recently, an outbreak of rabies has put the Cape fur seal populations and public safety in jeopardy. Thankfully, several incredible organisations are working to mitigate the effects of the outbreak.
Welcome to the I&J Ocean Exhibit, Kai!
We have just welcomed a new turtle into the I&J Ocean Exhibit! Well, new-ish... Kai, the loggerhead turtle, has spent some time in this exhibit before. Kai is a gorgeous loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and one of our Turtle Conservation Centre's long-term patients. Rescued as a hatchling in October 2020 weighing just 53g, Kai now weighs a magnificent 57kg!