6 Jun 2025 Image Credit: Two Oceans Aquarium South Africa is home to a diverse range of animals, both on land and in our oceans – unfortunately, many of these animals currently face the threat of extinction. According to The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened species, there are over 169 000 species on the Red List, with over 47 000 threatened with extinction. Here are some of the endangered species you can find at the Two Oceans Aquarium: Image Credit: Two Oceans Aquarium Western Leopard toad These amphibians are endemic to Western Province, which means our province is the only place in the world where you’ll find them. These amphibians are common residents in backyards near wetland areas. Humans are one of the primary causes as to why these toads are in the endangered status, as they face risky migration from residential areas back to the water for breeding season. Knysna Seahorse These delicate fish are a unique part of South Africa’s ocean ecosystem, as they can only be found in three places in the world, including Knysna, Swartvlei and Keurbooms. The Knysna seahorse was the first seahorse species to be listed on the IUCN’s Red List, as a result of their ecosystem being under increasing threat from urban development, and heavily used bodies of water. Image Credit: Two Oceans Aquarium African Penguin The African penguin is also a unique part of South Africa’s ocean ecosystems, as they are the only penguin species in Africa. Their penguin population once reached up to three million along the South African and Namibian coastlines. However, last year, they were “uplisted” to critically endangered status on the IUCN’s Red List. Current-day pressures, like overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and food shortages are contributors leading these penguins to extinction, as the current African penguin population is at the lowest number ever recorded. Red Stumpnose Endemic to South Africa, Red stumpnose fish have a slow growth rate, tend to stay in one area, and often swim in groups – this behaviour makes them vulnerable to overexploitation as a result of commercial and recreational fishing. In honour of World Oceans Day this Sunday, 8 June, we’d like to share ways in which we can start contributing positively to our ocean ecosystems: Reduce plastic pollution and carbon footprint Support marine protected areas Promote responsible fishing and support sustainable seafood Participate in beach cleanups and support ocean conservation organizations Protect marine wildlife Find out more information on the Two Oceans Aquarium’s website, here: https://www.aquarium.co.za/ EXPLORE OUR WILD NEIGHBOURHOOD WITH OUR MARINE WILDLIFE WALK Walking around the Waterfront, you’ll see a variety of different animals, from otters and sunfish, to seals, birds and jellyfish – for some of them, our neighbourhood is their home, and others are just seasonal visitors. There are eight lookout points throughout our neighbourhood, where visitors can stop and watch our wild neighbours as they go about their day. The walking route starts at the Seal Dock outside the Two Oceans Aquarium, where you might spot seals, box jellies, and grey herons. The route ends near the Cape Wheel, where you could spot dolphins and whales, depending on the time of year. The Marine Wildlife Walk is self-guided experience, which is free to access and offers an exciting way to explore our neighbourhood, while also enjoying the wildlife that coexists around us. Checkout the interactive map, here. DISCOVER THE FUTURE OF SEAFOOD AT THE SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD EXHIBITION Highlights from last year’s Sustainable Seafood Festival at Makers Landing. Join us from Tuesday, 10 June to Monday, 16 June at the Victoria Wharf Centre Court (outside H&M) for our Sustainable Seafood Exhibition. Learn all about sustainable seafood, responsible fishing practices, and the long-term benefits they have on our oceans through engaging art exhibitions, an interactive board where visitors can make a pledge to protect our oceans, and fun, educational activities for the little ones — including exciting puppet shows. This exhibition is hosted in partnership with Abalobi, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), and UWC Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. OCEAN PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY TO REPURPOSE DISCARDED FISHING NETS The not-for-profit organization, OCEANS Action Network and Ocean Plastic Technologies are set to introduce the country’s first harbour based net recycling facility in our neighbourhood. Supported by South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA), this pilot project is set to address the urgent need for responsible disposal and recycling of fishing gear. Housed within a retrofitted shipping container at Collier Jetty, this micro-recycling pod, being developed by Oceans Plastic Technologies will see discarded nets being repurposed into raw materials for high-value plastic products. Read the full release, here. VISITORS TO OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD This week, we welcomed the Kruzenshtern, one of the world’s largest traditional sailing ships. Measuring over 114 metres long, this four-masted barque was originally launched in 1926 as a German cargo ship named Padua. Today, the Kruzenshtern is operated by the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries and serves as a sail training vessel, offering cadets practical, hands-on experience at sea. The ship is currently on a global voyage, promoting maritime heritage and fostering international goodwill. EVENTS AROUND THE WATERFRONT Authentic Thai Day Enjoy live cooking demonstrations by real Thai chefs, take part in an interactive cook-along in the demo kitchen, and explore a vibrant Thai food market filled with traditional favourites and street food. As well as exciting cultural performances, Mauythai fitness demonstrations, and crafts and products on sale. Brought to you with the support of the Royal Thai Embassy and in partnership with Eclipse Fight League, Authentic Thai Day is a celebration of Thai culture. Date: Saturday, 7 June. Time:11h00 – 17h30 Location: Makers Landing Cost: Free Decorex Cape Town If you’re a maker, creative, or design enthusiast, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Happening this weekend at the CTICC, Decorex Africa is Africa’s leading décor and design platform, featuring the latest trends, innovative products, and creative talent in interior design, architecture and lifestyle. This year, Watershed will be part of the event, showcasing some of the best in local design, interiors and creativity in a celebration of South African talent and craftsmanship. Date: Thursday, 5 June – Sunday, 8 June. Time: 10h00 – 18h00 Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre Cost: From R150. Get your tickets, here.
