On 13 November 2025, the Two Oceans Aquarium officially turned 30, marking three decades of ocean magic, community connection, and unwavering dedication to marine conservation. And, true to our spirit, the celebrations began long before the evening’s formalities.
A birthday morning filled with ocean joy
We kicked off our 30th birthday with a splash. Throughout the day, several of our Aquarists delighted our online Aquarium family with a series of birthday-themed enrichment livestreams. These moments honoured the everyday wonder that has inspired millions of ocean-lovers over the past three decades.
Our iconic mascots, Samantha the Penguin, Nemo the Clownfish, and Silver the Shark, also joined the festivities by taking a stroll around the V&A Waterfront before touring the Aquarium. Lucky members of the public were surprised with free entrance tickets and reusable tote bags, spreading ocean love and a whole lot of birthday cheer. The mascots visited a few iconic spots along the Waterfront, and even danced to marimba music!
To everyone who joined us from near and far, thank you. We couldn’t be who we are without our incredible Aquarium family.
An evening of reflection, tribute, and vision
As the sun set, an intimate evening gathering brought together our long-standing partners, staff past and present, trustees, supporters, and friends: The people who have shaped the Aquarium into the cherished institution it is today.
Helen Lockhart, Conservation and Sustainability Manager (and the Aquarium’s longest-standing employee), captured the emotion of the evening with a heartfelt tribute: “I am honoured to stand here tonight acknowledging so many wonderful people who have contributed to our successes over the years, and to have been a part of this special place for 30 years. I am proud both of what we have achieved together and what we stand for. Now, more than ever, the ocean needs us all.”
The evening gave everyone a space to reflect on the bold ideas, hard decisions, and extraordinary achievements that brought the Aquarium through three remarkable decades.
CEO Michael Farquhar opened the night with humour, humility, and deep gratitude. Having spent nearly 30 years across curatorial and leadership roles, he reflected on the privilege of stewarding an organisation built collectively by countless hands.
“Everyone invited to this gathering was handpicked for the contributions they have made over the last 30 years, assisting us in achieving our success as a proudly South African Aquarium focused on conservation, education, and research,” said Michael.
David Green, former V&A Waterfront CEO and long-time ally of the Aquarium, expanded on the Aquarium’s significance within the broader community. He traced pivotal decisions, from major exhibit upgrades to a culture of scientific agility, that helped the Aquarium thrive. “The Aquarium is more than a highly successful attraction: It’s a movement led by a small team that has inspired millions to care, learn, and protect marine wildlife."
Bold new beginnings
The evening was also an opportunity for the team to make several exciting announcements. Michael revealed the latest news about our upcoming developments, including:
- A brand-new Penguin Exhibit
- An expanded office space for our 140-strong team
- An upgraded Children’s Play Centre and dedicated puppet theatre
- Two new Ocean Campus classrooms
He then unveiled a major milestone: People and Oceans Lab, a new multidisciplinary research institute embedded within the Two Oceans Aquarium and powered by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
Anne Lamont, Executive Chairperson of the Foundation, presented the Lab as a courageous and necessary response to the accelerating ocean crisis. With a people-centric, multidisciplinary approach, the Lab will draw from marine and social sciences, creative fields, and community knowledge to build replicable, community-rooted conservation models.
A night to remember
The celebrations concluded with a final message of thanks from Michael and a reminder that, while people have always been at the heart of our Aquarium story, the true magic lies just beneath the surface. It’s the living, breathing ocean world that has captured imaginations for 30 years and continues to inspire millions of South Africans to fall in love with the ocean.
Here’s to 30 years of wonder, and to the next chapter, filled with curiosity, courage, and ever-deepening care for our blue planet.
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