The Two Oceans Aquarium receives the Mayor's Medal for Conservation

17 November, 2025 - Press Releases, Marine Sciences, Conservation

On 14 November 2025, the Two Oceans Aquarium was awarded the Mayor’s Medal for Conservation in the City of Cape Town’s Civic Honours Ceremony.

This prestigious award, which acknowledges outstanding contributions by individuals or organisations in a number of different fields, was conferred by the Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin-Hill Lewis and acknowledged the Aquarium’s 30-year contribution to marine research, conservation, rehabilitation and environmental advocacy. The award comes a day after the Aquarium celebrated its 30th birthday.

“I am very honoured to have received this award on behalf of the Two Oceans Aquarium,” said Michael Farquhar, CEO. “The Aquarium was acknowledged among several high-calibre Cape Town organisations, including Friends of the Liesbeek, the Mountain Club of South Africa, the Haven Night Shelter and the Service Dining Rooms, as well as individuals such as Babalwa Latsha, captain of the Springbok Women’s Rugby team, Professor Brian Kantor, Dr Joan Parker, and actor and singer Emo Adams. Thank you to those Capetonians who nominated the Aquarium and to all the visitors who have supported us over 30 years, making our work in conservation, education and research possible. This is a proud moment for the Aquarium and its staff and a wonderful 30th birthday gift.”

To promote civic pride in Cape Town, Mayor Hill-Lewis revived the tradition of Civic Honours in 2023 after a hiatus of 10 years, with these awards now a regular fixture every two years. This year’s awarding of honours follows a public nomination process held earlier in 2025, followed by Council approval of nominations, and confirmation of acceptance by nominees. “Our list of recipients this year includes some truly extraordinary individuals – and also some organisations – who’ve contributed greatly through their service, their talents and their sacrifice,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.

Speaker of the City of Cape Town, Alderman Felicity Lewis, said, “May this year’s Civic Honours celebration stand as a testament to the power of individuals and organisations who choose to lead with purpose, contribute selflessly, and inspire others through their actions. Their legacy challenges us all to do more, be more and give more – for the benefit of generations to come”.

The Two Oceans Aquarium, which has evolved far beyond its original conception as a tourist attraction, has welcomed more than 15 million visitors since it opened its doors on 13 November 1995. Through its education unit, Ocean Campus, over 1,5 million students have been reached through learning programmes as well as outreach initiatives that specifically target underserved schools in Cape Town’s townships.

In 2018, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation was established, and it has pioneered marine education through the Marine Sciences curriculum now offered at schools across the country.

The Aquarium’s sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation programme has successfully rehabilitated and released well over 1 000 turtles back into the ocean, and the Marine Wildlife Management Programme, in partnership with the V&A Waterfront and the City of Cape Town, actively monitors wildlife in the Waterfront – from seals and seabirds to otters and sunfish.

The Aquarium continues to engage visitors from all over the country and further afield through its diverse exhibits, which showcase South Africa’s rich marine biodiversity, from the Kelp Forest, the I&J Ocean, and the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibits.

“Through three decades of unwavering dedication to marine conservation, education and research, the Two Oceans Aquarium has not only created an exceptional facility for public engagement but has actively contributed to protecting Cape Town’s precious marine ecosystems for future generations,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.