Two Oceans Aquarium donates to NSRI and SANCCOB

From left: SANCCOB Oiled Wildlife Preparedness and Response Manager Christian Triay, Two Oceans Aquarium Curator Maryke Musson and NSRI Operations Manager Brett Ayres The Two Oceans Aquarium donated R15 000 each to SANCCOB and the NSRI today. The handover was in true Aquarium-style with divers representing the three parties in the I&J Ocean Exhibit. “The Two Oceans Aquarium is very fortunate to be able to rely on two amazing organisations within the marine world,” says Maryke Musson, Curator of the Two Oceans Aquarium.“SANCCOB, expertly driven by their Executive Director, Dr Stephen van der Spuy, has not only offered us tremendous support with regards to the management and husbandry of our own seabirds, but does world-renowned work on saving seabirds. We have a long-standing partnership with them, and we are really glad that we can support this worthy cause through a financial contribution from our conservation fund.”The Aquarium’s conservation fund is used solely for the purpose of supporting conservation organisations like SANCCOB. These funds are generated through a portion of the penguin experiences offered by the Aquarium, as well as through online donations via the Aquarium website, and the wishing well which is situated near the Touch Pool in the Aquarium. Musson goes on to say; “As is the nature of our work, we spend many hours out at sea. We have the NSRI’s emergency number permanently on speed dial and we know that, should we ever require assistance, we can depend on them 100%. We salute their dedication, bravery and the amazing respect they show towards the ocean. Our friendship with the NSRI CEO, Dr Cleeve Robertson, stretches back more than 22 years when he was a member of our very first volunteer dive team. It is with absolute appreciation that we donate funds towards this committed operation.” The handover coincides with the UCT Underwater Club’s Diver24 event this weekend. The annual fundraising event by the Underwater Club is raising funds for SANCCOB and the NSRI. The 24-hour long dive event will see UCT Underwater Club divers remain in the I&J Ocean Exhibit on a rotation basis for one hour at a time. The Two Oceans Aquarium challenges and encourages corporates, other organisations and individuals to support SANCCOB and the NSRI in order for them to continue their important work. The Aquarium would also like to commend UCT Underwater Club for dedicating their Diver24 challenge to raising awareness of, and raising funds for these institutions.