The National Zoological Garden in Pretoria is now home to three blacktip reef sharks and 220 species of marine fish. Image: The Citizen.
(The Post News)– The National Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria has welcomed new marine life, including three blacktip reef sharks and 220 vibrant fish. This addition enhances the zoo’s mission to educate visitors about biodiversity and marine conservation. According to Tracy Rehse, the animal collections director, the new exhibits will highlight ocean ecosystems and the challenges they face, promoting awareness and appreciation.
The NZG’s marine displays have been revamped with new filtration systems, pumps, and repaired glass fronts. After completing the renovations, the zoo has welcomed new marine life, including fish and sharks, which arrived from Kenya after a 10-hour flight. The additions have revitalised the tanks, enhancing the marine exhibits.
The marine animals were quickly settled into their new tanks, with most going straight into display tanks after arrival. Since the NZG isn’t near the coast, they create artificial seawater using up to 14 chemicals to mimic the perfect conditions for the fish. Thankfully, no major adjustments were needed to accommodate the new additions. According to Rehse, the animals are thriving, feeding well, and fascinating visitors.
The sharks were transported in 1,000-litre tanks with life support systems to maintain oxygenation. Upon arrival, they were carefully acclimated to their new environment by gradually adjusting water conditions. As a vulnerable species, the sharks won’t be bred but rather will serve as ambassadors to raise awareness about the threats they face in the wild, such as habitat destruction and overfishing, and to inspire appreciation for marine diversity.
The blacktip reef shark is a swift and agile predator native to the Indo-Pacific region’s shallow waters. Recognisable by their black-tipped fins, they hunt in small groups, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. In the wild, they typically live 10-12 years, but in aquariums, they can live over 20 years and reach 1.5-2 metres in length.
The sharks were accompanied by 220 marine fish, featuring vibrant species like powder blue tangs, anemone fish, pufferfish, and green bird wrasse. Each fish was transported in oxygen-rich water and carefully introduced to their new environment using controlled acclimation methods. The new fish additions, found in tropical Indian Ocean waters, thrive on shallow reefs and feed on algae and invertebrates. Unlike the blacktip reef sharks, these fish species are not considered threatened.
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