The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation began the year with a dramatic sunfish rescue after a record-sized ocean sunfish became trapped in Sturrock Dry Dock during routine drainage, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The rescue team secured and lifted the roughly one-ton animal with the help of Teemane Cranes and Dock Master Johan Coetzee, who alerted staff to the fish’s plight.
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Later the same week, the foundation and partner Upwell Turtles released 12 rehabilitated juvenile loggerhead turtles fitted with Lotek micro-satellite tags into warm waters off Cape Point.
The tagging forms part of a wider effort that has now tracked 35 juvenile loggerheads, offering new data on the turtles’ early ocean years.
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‘Seen through the eyes of our rescue team, these moments offer a unique, behind-the-scenes glimpse into our response,’ said Martine Viljoen, Marine Wildlife Manager, describing the sunfish operation and the teamwork that made it possible.
Staff emphasised that both events show the value of rapid local response and long-term research working together. The sunfish continues to recover under veterinary care while researchers will monitor the departing juveniles’ journeys via satellite, a collaboration that will inform future conservation work.
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Also read:
Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 at the Two Oceans Aquarium
Picture: Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation / Facebook
