Latest news with #BlacktipReefSharks
The Citizen
27-04-2025
- The Citizen
Pretoria zoo welcomes new marine species
The Pretoria National Zoological Garden (NZG) has recently welcomed three Blacktip Reef Sharks and more than 200 colourful marine fish. The zoo is home to the largest inland aquarium on the African continent, and the new additions aim to provide a unique experience and highlight the ongoing plight of marine life. '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 Tracy Rehse, Director of Animal Collections at NZG. The sharks arrived at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport from Kenya following a 10-hour flight and were promptly transported to the zoo. Each shark travelled in a 1 000-litre plastic tank fitted with secure lids and was connected to life support systems to ensure proper oxygenation during the journey. Upon arrival, they were carefully introduced to their new environment, gradually adjusting to water temperature, salinity, and pH to ensure a smooth and stress-free acclimation process. Accompanying the sharks were 220 marine fish, including striking species such as Powder Blue Tangs, Skunk-striped Anemonefish, Stars and Stripes Pufferfish, and Green Bird Wrasse. Each fish was individually transported in oxygen-rich marine water and carefully acclimated to their new habitat using controlled floating methods before joining the existing aquarium population. The Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a fast and agile species native to the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive, black-tipped fins and remarkable swimming speed, these sharks are effective daytime hunters that often move in small groups, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. In the wild, they face growing threats from habitat destruction and overfishing and are currently listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation (IUCN) Red List. While their average lifespan in the wild ranges from 10 to 12 years, they can live for over 20 years in well-maintained aquarium settings, reaching lengths of 1.5 –2m. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
24-04-2025
- IOL News
National Zoological Garden enhances marine collection with new arrivals
The National Zoological Garden (NZG) has new additions of Marine life, consisting of three Blacktip Reef Sharks and more than 200 colourful marine fish. This latest development forms part of NZG's ongoing mission to connect people with biodiversity and highlight the importance of marine conservation through education and immersive experiences. Image: The National Zoological Garden The National Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria has taken a significant step towards enriching its marine life collection with the arrival of three Blacktip Reef Sharks and over 200 vibrant marine fish. This new wave of aquatic inhabitants is set to energise the largest inland aquarium on the African continent, providing visitors with an even more captivating look into the complexities and beauty of ocean life. In a bid to foster greater appreciation for biodiversity and marine conservation, the recent additions underline NZG's commitment to educating the public about the ocean's diverse ecosystems. Tracy Rehse, Director of Animal Collections at NZG, emphasized the importance of the latest arrivals. '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.' The National Zoological Garden has introduced hundreds of colourful marine fish to their aquarium Image: The National Zoological Garden The Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is known for its striking black-tipped fins and hunting agility. Native to the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific, these sharks are not just beautiful; they play a vital role in their ecosystem, preying on fish and crustaceans. Unfortunately, they are currently classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation (IUCN) due to pressing threats such as habitat destruction and overfishing. Typically, these sharks live up to 12 years in the wild, yet in well-maintained aquariums, they can thrive for over 20 years, potentially reaching lengths between 1.5 to 2 metres. The sharks journeyed to their new home, arriving at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport from Kenya after a 10-hour flight. Each shark was carefully transported in a large 1,000-litre plastic tank equipped with secure lids and connected to life support systems, ensuring they received adequate oxygenation throughout their voyage. Upon arrival, the NZG team meticulously acclimatised the sharks, gradually adjusting water temperature, salinity, and pH levels to facilitate a smooth transition into their new environment. The impressive marine relocation also includes 220 new fish species, such as the Powder Blue Tang, Skunk-striped Anemonefish, Stars and Stripes Pufferfish, and Green Bird Wrasse. Each member of this vibrant group was also transported individually in oxygen-rich marine water and introduced to their new home using controlled floating methods, allowing them to adjust to their surroundings without stress. With the new marine residents now comfortably settled, they have begun to thrive, actively interacting with their environment and captivating the attention of visitors who flock to see them. The NZG encourages the public to explore this fascinating underwater realm right in the heart of Pretoria, reinforcing the importance of ocean life and marine ecosystems.
