Worldwide Vets volunteers dive into marine animal care at the Two Oceans Aquarium

Between July and August, the Two Oceans Aquarium and its Foundation had the pleasure of hosting a group of international veterinary students and their two facilitators from America, Canada, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Northern Ireland as part of a Marine Vet Course organised by Worldwide Vets.

Worldwide Vets is a global charity that aims to sustainably improve animal welfare, promote veterinary education, and provide veterinary care globally. Over the course of three immersive days, the group engaged in a rich blend of learning and brief insight into behind-the-scenes animal care work in expert-led sessions.

Our Adult Training Coordinator, Phindile Gazu, opened the programme by sharing the vision and core objectives of the Aquarium and the Foundation, highlighting how every aspect of our work is rooted in inspiring people to care for the ocean. This was followed by an in-depth session on marine animal medicine and husbandry, led by Senior Quarantine Aquarist Inge Adams. She shared fascinating insights into common medical challenges and issues for aquarium species from the smallest fish to majestic sharks. Martine Viljoen, Manager of our Marine Wildlife Management Programme, brought the Foundation’s conservation work to life, highlighting welfare efforts with Cape fur seals, seabirds, and other marine visitors to the V&A Waterfront. She also provided an important update on the recent seal rabies outbreak and how we are working with other organisations to mitigate the issue.

A highlight of the programme was the opportunity to explore real-life sea turtle case studies with Razaan Keur, Turtle Aquarist at the Turtle Conservation Centre. Volunteers gained firsthand knowledge of the medical procedures that help rehabilitate and release these ocean wanderers. They also met Shanet Rutgers, the Senior Penguin Keeper, who offered a heartfelt look into the daily care and unique personalities of the Aquarium’s beloved penguin colony.

Self-guided tours through the Aquarium allowed the group to connect their learning with the living displays, tying together science, conservation, and passion.

This immersive experience not only enhanced the volunteers’ veterinary knowledge but also deepened their understanding of the critical role veterinarians play in the rehabilitation, care, and release of marine animals.