The Two Oceans Aquarium is a magical place, attracting young and old from all over the world. My three year old especially loves the clownfish exhibit, crawling underneath the glass and shouting “Look Mommy it’s Nemo!” is her favourite.

As a local, visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium is a must; and to say “thank you” for the loyal support from South Africans over the past 23 years, they have introduced the “Free on Your Birthday” initiative!

Marketing manager, Ingrid Sinclair, says to celebrate the Aquarium’s birthday they really wanted to do something special for South Africans in particular.

“We have enjoyed tremendous support from locals throughout our 23 years of existence, so this is our way of saying thank you. We hope the Two Oceans Aquarium birthday special will result in even more people, from all walks of life, being able to draw inspiration from South Africa’s awesome underwater world.”

All you need is a valid form of identification to be presented at the Aquarium’s ticket office in order to qualify. You can then enter for free, every year on your birthday.

Over the past 23 years, the Aquarium has achieved and celebrated some significant milestones.

In 2016 the I&J Ocean Exhibit, the first large-scale addition in 21 years, opened to the public together with the mesmerising Jelly Gallery.

In December 2017, the Aquarium released Yoshi, a loggerhead turtle that had enthralled visitors for 20 years. Yoshi’s journey has been followed with great interest over the last year as she continues with her travels up (and down) the African west coast.

The Aquarium has also rehabilitated and released over 400 turtles through its turtle rescue, rehabilitation and release programme since 2009. They’ve also rescued and released seals and sunfish, and tagged and released a number of ragged-tooth sharks.

Over a million school children have participated in experiential programmes in the Aquarium’s Environmental Education Centre and through its three outreach programmes.

The Aquarium is also at the forefront of reducing its carbon and water footprint.

It has held Diamond status for two years running, which is the highest certification possible in the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme. Initiatives such as the installation of solar panels and rainwater tanks to reduce energy and water consumption as well as a drive to reduce waste to landfill are some of the activities undertaken to reduce the Aquarium’s impact on the environment.

The Environmental Education Centre also offers specialised courses, which are curriculum-based, for learners and students.

There is so much on offer at the Two Oceans Aquarium, and the free birthday entry is just the cherry on the top!

Visit www.aquarium.co.za/content/page/free-admission-on-your-birthday to find out more.