Here are the new additions to Pretoria Zoo’s aquarium

The National Zoological Garden in Pretoria has shipped in a variety of new marine life.

Boasting the largest inland aquarium on the African continent, the zoo welcomed over 200 new finned friends.

The increase in marine specimens allows the zoo to broaden its aquatic offering and ability to educate the public about life under the seas.  

Over 200 new fish

The live cargo touched down at OR Tambo International via Kenya last week, with each fish arriving in their own oxygen-rich tanks.

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) reports that the fish acclimated to their new habitat using controlled floating methods before joining the existing aquarium population.

“The arrival of these animals not only adds to the beauty and diversity of our exhibits but also helps us tell a bigger story about ocean ecosystems and the threats they face,” said director of animal collections at the zoo, Tracy Rehse.

Sanbi says that the fish have fully settled, feeding well and interacting with their surroundings with ease.

Blacktip reef sharks

Among the marquee arrivals are three Blacktip reef sharks, a fast and agile species native to the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region.

The trio took their 10-hour journey from east Africa in 1 000 litre plastic enclosures and were connected to life support systems to ensure proper oxygenation during the journey.

Blacktip reef sharks are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation (IUCN) Red List due to overfishing and habitat destruction.

Usually living for 10 to 12 years in their natural habitats, their lifespans can be extended to over 20 years in aquarium settings, reaching up to two meters in length.

Other notable species added to the Pretoria Zoo aquarium are power blue tangs, green bird wrasse, various pufferfish and skunk-striped anemonefish.

“This latest development forms part of the zoo’s ongoing mission to connect people with biodiversity and highlight the importance of marine conservation through education and immersive experiences,” Sanbi concluded.

Infrastructure challenges

The zoo had previously come under scrutiny after complaints about the maintenance of the facility.

Sanbi stated last year that it had been on an infrastructure drive since 2018 but that the size of the zoo required a staggered approach.

“A property the size of the zoo must be tackled in stages. Sanbi has already completed a significant amount of work since it took over the operations of the zoo,” stated Sanbi.

“Several enclosures have also been completed, including our southern ground hornbill camps, duck, chicken and crane aviaries.

“Visitors to the zoo can still see lions. In addition, we have iconic species such as komodo dragons, tigers, rhino and buffalo,” Sanbi concluded.

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