Amid the hustle and bustle of central Cape Town lies a special aquatic sanctum. Familiar to residents, the Two Oceans Aquarium is a landmark of the city’s vibrant offerings. Stepping into the space, one is transported from cosmopolitan city to coral, as creatures swim overhead and tanks bathe visitors in otherworldly blue light. But in its 25th year of operation, do visitors still appreciate this special glimpse into the underwater world? Or have we become too used to having this magic at our fingertips? Rediscover the wonder of the Two Oceans Aquarium.
“I’ve always had a passion for the ocean,” says Inge Adams, a quarantine aquarist at the aquarium, specialising in the healthcare of the animals. “I think I’m one of the lucky few who know what they want to do from when they’re very young.”
This is a common sentiment amongst the people who work at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town. Even a quarter of a century after the aquarium first opened its doors, a sense of lifelong passion for the ocean is still the through line of why the employees and volunteers do what they do.
These rockhopper penguins are one of many species that are protected and showcased by the aquarium. Blessing Gausi, a visitor to the aquarium, describes the space as the “epicentre of sea life around Cape Town” and shares that during his visit, he “saw some creatures that [he had] never seen before”. PHOTO: Kimberley Schoeman
Inspiring others – especially children – to love the ocean in a similar way, is what drives Adams. In turn, this appreciation for the ocean encourages people to help protect it, she says.
According to Claudine van Zyl, a research intern specifically involved with turtle rehabilitation at the aquarium, a very tangible bond is formed between employees and the animals. She describes the release of rehabilitated animals back into the wild as a difficult parting of ways.
“It’s a very bittersweet situation,” says Van Zyl. “Nevertheless it’s super rewarding seeing them swim away.”
Razaan Keur, a floor guide at Two Oceans Aquarium, started out working as a volunteer before becoming an employee. Driven by her passion for sea life, she has been involved with the aquarium for nine years. PHOTO: Kimberley Schoeman
Caring for the creatures of the deep
Conservation is a fundamental effort of the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Razaan Keur, a floor guide at the aquarium, tells MatieMedia of the myriad animals currently in the aquarium’s care, including their largest turtle named Bob, a three-flippered turtle named Geri, multiple penguins, a part-time-resident octopus, and numerous sharks, to name a few.
October is a particularly exciting time for the aquarium. Dubbed Sharktober, this month is “dedicated to creating awareness about sharks,” says Keur.
To mark the arrival of Sharktober, the aquarium has just installed the ‘shark alley’, a space with interactive information displays on sharks, directly adjacent to the shark tank. “It’s very informative, and you guys will learn something,” according to Keur.
Two Oceans Aquarium recently opened a new shark exhibition just in time for Sharktober – a special week in October the aquarium has “dedicated to creating awareness about sharks,” says Keur. PHOTOS: Kimberley Schoeman
One visitor distills the importance of the aquarium and its conservation efforts when reflecting on his experience in the space. “It was mind blowing. I saw some creatures that I’ve never seen before,” says Blessing Gausi, a city local visiting the aquarium on 30 September 2021. “It presents the rich sea-heritage that we have.”
Aquatic therapy
Keur believes that the peak in visitation experienced during school holidays is a “good indication” that the public still appreciates the aquarium and the work it does.
However, the magic of the Two Oceans Aquarium does not end with the protection and showcasing of these animals. The space as a whole comes together in a manner that can only be described as soul-nourishing.
The ambient music and slow-moving creatures inside the large exhibits make the aquarium a tranquil and calming space. Keur describes the experience of watching the animals as “magical”, “therapeutic” and “soothing”. PHOTO: Kimberley Schoeman
“The reason why I wanted to volunteer is because I found this place so magical,” explains Keur. “It was just so soothing. I found it to be therapeutic during my volunteer shift, as well, just to sit in front of an exhibit. Just watch the animals.”
Keur remarks that she often sees visitors come to the aquarium to benefit from its tranquility, with adults coming in the late afternoons “to decompress”, young adults “to sketch up some things”, and students to study.
“I do think it does have a nice, or positive, effect on the psychological wellbeing of many of our visitors,” she observes.
By Giuseppe Rajkumar Guerandi, Anri Matthee, Tina Ddamulira & Kimberley Schoeman