On 13 November 2016, the Two Oceans Aquarium will celebrate 21 years of operation. We have put together a series of blogs to look back on the remarkable journey.
Take a look at the temporary exhibits that have come and gone over the years.
Fangs
In 1999, we opened our first large-scale temporary exhibit, Fangs, which featured a global collection of writhing eels and slithery sea creatures, including deadly sea snakes.
The Fangs marketing and advertising campaign claimed the annual Marketing Organisation of the Year Award, presented by the Institute of Marketing Management (IMM).
The Living Dead
In 2001, we opened our second large-scale temporary exhibit, The Living Dead – travelled in time, locked in rock. The exhibit included “living fossils” such as crocodiles, iguanas and giant deep-water isopods.
Many of the animals that were displayed have remained virtually unchanged over millions of years.
Frogs: Beyond the Pond
In partnership with the City of Cape Town and in recognition of WAZA’S (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Year of the Frog 2008, we opened our third large-scale temporary exhibit hall in September of that year.
Frogs: Beyond the Pond was a themed and highly interactive gallery that immersed visitors in the world of frogs and invited them to "jump in" to find out more about these quirky yet extremely threatened creatures.
The Smart Living Challenge Zone
Most recently, and again in partnership with the City of Cape Town, we launched the Smart Living Challenge Zone in December 2015. The Smart Living Challenge Zone consists of four interactive digital installations that address the sustainable management of energy, water, waste and biodiversity.
From left: Lindie Buirski, Michael Farquhar and Councillor Dave Bryant. Photo by Bruce Sutherland
This interactive zone is an exciting initiative, built by Formula D Interactive, aims to educate children and adults alike on making smarter choices in their daily lives to preserve and protect the environment. The messaging in each of the installations has been kept purposefully simple so that children can understand and apply them.
Honorary mention: Water of Life
Also in partnership with the City of Cape Town, the Aquarium opened the Children’s Puppet Theatre on 10 March 2003.
This fully automated three-act marionette presentation depicted a young boy, Tshepo, who learns about various water-related dilemmas. Using humour and music, a cast of vibrant, colourful characters conveyed important environmental messages to the audience in an unusual and positive manner.
