In the end, we will conserve only what we love, We will love only what we understand, We will understand only what we are taught.

Transcription

1 In the end, we will conserve only what we love, We will love only what we understand, We will understand only what we are taught. Baba Dioum, Senegalese Philosopher Grand Opening 13 November 1995 AT A GLANCE Operating Basis The Aquarium receives no government subsidy and is self- supporting. Owners The Aquarium is owned by Waterfront Holdings and Investec Bank Limited. Vision To foster love, respect and understanding of our oceans to inspire support for their future well- being. VISITOR INFORMATION Information Call the Two Oceans Aquarium on telephone Look up our website: or contact us on e- mail: aquarium@aquarium.co.za. Location Dock Road, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa Hours Open daily 09h30 to 18h00 (subject to change without notice) Admission Valid from 1 April 2013 until 31 March 2014 Adults: R Children (4-13 years): R Children (14-17 years): R Under 4 years Free SA Pensioners: R SA Undergraduate students: R Visitors may have their hand stamped at the entrance turnstile in the foyer if they wish to return to the Aquarium during the same day. Purchase Aquarium online tickets at less 10% ( Parties exceeding 10 receive a 10 % (ten percent) discount on the listed prices. Feeding times Feeding time in the I&J Predator Exhibit (daily at 15h00) and the Kelp Forest Exhibit (Wednesdays and Saturdays at 12h00) is always a spectacular sight and visitors are able to see Aquarium divers hand- feeding the fishes, rays, turtle and sharks. The shark- feed at 15h00 on Sundays is always a thrilling experience. The penguins are fed thrice daily at 11h30, 11h45 and 14h30.

2 Baby Care Nappy changing facilities are available. The Aquarium has a limited number of baby push chairs (prams) for your convenience. Physically Challenged A limited number of wheelchairs are available free of charge. All Aquarium exhibits are accessible to the physically challenged. Please ensure that you book a wheelchair prior to your visit. Please contact the Visitor Services Desk on telephone or e- mail info@aquarium.co.za The Aquarium Shop Admire or acquire. Fine gifts, aquatic souvenirs and a selection of books, videos and posters. Telephone Eat, meet and play at Shoreline Café Restaurant Nibbles or shark- size bites and panoramic views available at Shoreline Café Restaurant at the Aquarium. For further information, please contact the Restaurant on telephone /6. Let your school meet our school The Aquarium s Environmental Education Centre offers classes and activities for all ages, including teacher training workshops and tour guide courses. Contact the Bookings Co- ordinator on telephone or on e- mail bookings@aquarium.co.za for more information. Oceans of fun for children The Aquarium has a variety of activities for children. They are guaranteed loads of fun and special events whilst they learn about the wonders of the environment. For younger children, the AFRISAM Children s Play Centre presents a delightful world of puppet shows, arts and crafts and games. For further details on children s activities, please contact the Aquarium s Visitor Services on telephone AQUARIUM EXHIBITS Specimens More than 3000 live specimens representing approximately 300 species of fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, birds and plants supported by the waters in and around the South African coast. Exhibit Windows The I&J Predator Exhibit and the Kelp Forest Exhibit are fitted with imported acrylic windows. Acrylic panels are more transparent and stronger than glass windows and do not distort, magnify or discolour the fishes. The largest Predator Exhibit windows are 28 cm thick, 4 m high and 11 m long. Galleries & Major Exhibits The exhibits reveal the habitats, plants and animals surrounding the southernmost tip of Africa. The four largest exhibits are the I&J Predator Exhibit (2 million litres); the Kelp Forest Exhibit (800,000 litres) and the Sappi River Meander. The Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean Gallery (Diversity Hall) A series of some 32 exhibits displaying the contrasts of marine life in the warm Indian Ocean and the cold Atlantic Ocean. Special exhibits include jellies; denizens from the deep; poisonous and venomous animals;

3 octopus, giant spider crabs and endangered Knysna seahorses. A microscope display compliments the interactive nature of the exhibitory. The Touch Pool The Touch Pool, a favourite exhibit in most aquaria, enables close- up inspection of a variety of marine animals and plants as well as items washed up on the beach. The Sappi River Meander This exhibit traces the course of a pristine river from its mouth, back through a freshwater reedbed complete with a bird- hide, to its origin as a stream high up in the mountains. A small colony of African and rockhopper penguins (a sub- Antarctic species) can be seen on the beach as well as endangered African black oystercatchers. Freshwater fishes indigenous to the Western Cape region can also be seen in a variety of rock pools. The Ocean Basket Kelp Forest Exhibit One of the largest exhibits, 12m square, 6m deep and containing 800,000 litres of seawater affords visitors dramatic close- up views into a living kelp forest, containing giant kelp plants forming a natural kelp canopy open to the sky at the second floor level of the Aquarium. Natural associations of invertebrates, algae and fishes form a living kelp forest community like those found along the west coast of South Africa. The I&J Predator Exhibit The I&J Predator Exhibit contains some 2 million liters of seawater and is perhaps the most dramatic exhibit in the Aquarium. Ragged- tooth sharks; shoals of yellowtail, garrick and many other fishes; several species of rays and a loggerhead turtle are visible through an enormous 11 metre wide by 4 metre high acrylic panel. There are several spectacular viewing points such as the semi- tunnel, which hugs the perimeter of the exhibit. This affords visitors a thrilling encounter as sharks drift overhead. AQUARIUM ACTIVITIES Dive in the Aquarium Take the Plunge Swim freely alongside ragged tooth sharks and rays. Come face to face with a multitude of fishes. See the Aquarium from a fish eye view. The Aquarium offers all qualified scuba divers the unique opportunity to dive with the sharks in the I&J Predator Exhibit or to feed the fishes in the Kelp Forest Exhibit. Valid until March 2014 Aquarium gear R Own gear R A cylinder is provided to all divers. Prices subject to change without notice. All divers must be in possession of a sport diver/scuba certificate. For more information on these thrilling dive adventures and bookings, please contact Dives bookings coordinator at the Aquarium on telephone or dive@aquarium.co.za. Become a Member Become a member of the Two Oceans Aquarium today and enjoy exclusive benefits such as unlimited admission all year round, special events at discounted prices and exclusive previews. For more information regarding this exciting opportunity, please contact the Membership Co- ordinator on telephone or on e- mail members@aquarium.co.za.

4 Adopt- a- School Programme - Educating our Children, Conserving our Oceans Join our Adopt- a- School Programme and assist us to educate the children of South Africa. For more information please contact our Corporate Development Liaison on telephone Become a Volunteer Volunteer guides assist in the interpretation of displays to the public, or alternatively help behind the scenes. For information about the next training course, please contact the Visitor Services Manager on or on e- mail education@aquarium.co.za Host your child s birthday The Two Oceans Aquarium is a unique venue to host you child s birthday party (suitable for ages up to 12 years). A two hour party with a dedicated party supervisor includes a guided tour of the Aquarium, an activity and a meal at our child- friendly restaurant Shoreline Café. For information on hosting a birthday party, please contact Birthday parties coordinator on or on e- mail parties@aquarium.co.za. Host your Function or Conference The Two Oceans Aquarium is a unique venue to host receptions, promotions, product launches or conferences. There are three facilities, which can be adapted for specific needs: The The Think Tank Auditorium is a professionally equipped conference or function venue, overlooking the New Basin and affords a magnificent view of Table Mountain. The area is flexible enough to meet individual seating requirements and audio- visual equipment is available. The I&J Predator Exhibit is a spectacular venue affording guests a view of those fishes found off the South African coastline. The venue is ideal for cocktail parties (250 people) or sit- down dinners (120 people) under the watchful eyes of the ragged tooth sharks. The ATLANTIC Ocean Gallery is the ideal venue for smaller cocktail or dinner parties with its myriad of exhibits. Private evening tours in the company of our knowledgeable guides can be arranged in addition to the use of the above venues. For further information regarding functions and conferences, please contact our Functions Co- ordinator at the Aquarium on telephone or functions@aquarium.co.za. Ticketing systems for Tour Operators, Hotels and Guest Houses There are a variety of ways in which members of the Tourism Industry can access the Aquarium: 1. Pre- paid Gift Tickets Pre- paid gift tickets are sold at the Ticket Office. Tour guides qualify for a 10% discount. 2. Voucher System The voucher system is available to tour operators on application. A voucher must accompany the tour guide and to be handed to the Ticket Office on arrival. Tour operators are invoiced at the end of the month and a 10% discount will be granted. Registered tour guides are allowed free access to the Aquarium on proof of valid identification. When registered as part of the voucher system, you can either make use of your own voucher (we will need a copy) or we can issue you with a pre- printed voucher booklet. The 10% discount still applies and invoicing happens, as normal, at the end of the month.

5 3. Cash When guides pay cash for tickets, they automatically receive a 10% discount, irrespective of how many visitors they bring. However, they must present identification at the Ticket Office. Pre- booking your group is advisable as this aid in the speedy processing of your group s admission to the Aquarium. Bookings can be made with our Group Bookings Co- ordinator on telephone or bookings@aquarium.co.za. For more information regarding these various systems, please contact Renar Wheelar, Tourism Officer on telephone or on e- mail tourism@aquarium.co.za Companies and organisations involved in the Tourism Industry can organise educational visits to the Aquarium. Please contact the Tourism co- ordinator to arrange an educational.

6 AQUARIUM AT A GLANCE SUMMARY ITEM DESCRIPTION (VS=Visitor Services) VISION To foster love, respect and understanding of our oceans to inspire support for their future well- being. Grand opening November 1995 Telephone number Web address Location Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8001 Hours 9h30 18h00 (17Dec 12 6Jan 2013 open 9h00 till 20h00) Shoreline Café hours 9h00 17h30 (Extended hrs: 9h00 till 19h30) ADMISSION (1 Sep Mar 2011) Valid the whole day! Adults R Children under 4 years Free Children 4 13 years R58.00 Children 4 17 years R92.00 SA Pensioners R92.00 (must show ID) SA Students R92.00 (must show student card) Groups exceeding 10 pax will receive 10% discount FEEDING TIMES Penguins Fish in Kelp Forest Animals in I&J Predator Exhibit Sharks Rays & Turtle Shoaling Fish Baby care Physically Disabled 11h30, 11h45 & 14h30 Wednesday and Saturday at 12h00 Daily at 15h00 Sunday at 15h00 Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 15h00 Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 15h00 Changing facilities, strollers and back packs Wheelchairs are available free Book at VS Aquarium shop Shoreline Café /6 Adventure Ticket Centre (Safari s, Shark cage diving, helicopter rides) Schools visiting Aquarium Activities for all ages bookings@aquarium.co.za Fun activities for children AFRISAM Children s Play centre Birthday parties Contact parties@aquarium.co.za or VS AQUARIUM SPECIMENS More than 3000 live specimens representing approximately 300 species of fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, birds and plants supported by the waters in and around the South African coast. AQUARIUM ACTIVITES Dive in the aquarium exhibits (Sharks & Kelp Forest) 11h00, 13h00 dive slots R (Own or Aquarium gear) 4 divers at a time (incl. dive master) Cylinder and weight belt are provided. Duration of dive: minutes Must have an Open Water 1 or Advance Dive certificate. We do offer Discover scuba lessons (Iain s Scuba School ). Enquire or book at VS. BECOME A MEMBER Unlimited entrance to the Aquarium for one year plus exclusive benefits like sleepovers contact Members centre Adult: R243.00, Children (4-13): R (under 4 free),children (14-17), SA Pensioners & students: R178.00, Nanny/Au pair R BECOME A VOLUNTEER FUNCTIONS IN THE AQUARIUM Auditorium, Tranquillity Boardroom ATLANTIC Ocean hall Kelp Forest and I&J Predator Exhibit Enquire at VS. Enquire at VS / Functions Co- ordinator Venue hire, catering and bar Weddings, Year- end functions, birthday parties, product launches, etc. Evacuation by- line: ALL STAFF PLEASE REPORT FOR YOU WORKSHOP IN THE AUDITORIUM J IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION YOU FORM PART OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND YOU LEAVE THE BUILDING (At no time display panic, it is a security exercise!)

7