Despite requiring vital remedial work to its salt and sea-battered infrastructure, the East London Aquarium has proved it is doing an impressive job housing rescued and endangered marine life.
The 83-year-old aquarium, which is South Africa’s oldest, is the first municipal amenity in the country to have passed the operational standards set by the Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (Paaza).
Buffalo City Metro chief of marine services Siani Tinley said this meant the aquarium had fulfilled high standards in animal husbandry and care, and was also fulfilling its role in education and conservation, as well as providing public amenities like ablutions, parking and security.
Unveiling the colourful Paaza plaque to Friends of the Aquarium, aquarium staff and the general manager of community amenities Kholekile Tapile yesterday, Tinley said the Esplanade tourist attraction had been audited in October and would be re-audited every four years in order to remain a Paaza member.
“We are very proud as a small aquarium.
“This certification goes a long way for us and the public that we are meeting the needs of our animalsq.”
Tinley said the age and proximity to the sea of the building had compromised its infrastructure.
“Salt has made its way into the steel infrastructure and the steel supports are popping so the plaster is being affected.”
High seas in recent years had encroached the facility’s exterior exhibits like the seal and ray pools, and the boardwalk, she added.
Tinley said the remedial work was currently out to tender, but a feasibility study had been done for the aquarium’s possible relocation. The building would then be condemned.
A year ago impressive concept plans were presented by the Sustainable Seas Trust and designed by architectural firm Smale and Partners, for a multimillion-rand Ocean Discovery Centre at the site of Heroes Park across the road to the present aquarium.
Yesterday Friends of the Aquarium vice-chairman Mervyn Gatc-ke said besides urgent structural repairs there was little reason to “pump more money into it”.
“This is an opportunity for the city fathers to do something special for East London,” said Gatcke. “It could move across the road or to Orient Beach, an ideal place for a new marine centre.” — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
‘Tiny’ EL Aquarium wins nod for maintaining top standards
The 83-year-old aquarium, which is South Africa’s oldest, is the first municipal amenity in the country to have passed the operational standards set by the Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (Paaza).
Buffalo City Metro chief of marine services Siani Tinley said this meant the aquarium had fulfilled high standards in animal husbandry and care, and was also fulfilling its role in education and conservation, as well as providing public amenities like ablutions, parking and security.
Unveiling the colourful Paaza plaque to Friends of the Aquarium, aquarium staff and the general manager of community amenities Kholekile Tapile yesterday, Tinley said the Esplanade tourist attraction had been audited in October and would be re-audited every four years in order to remain a Paaza member.
“We are very proud as a small aquarium.
“This certification goes a long way for us and the public that we are meeting the needs of our animalsq.”
Tinley said the age and proximity to the sea of the building had compromised its infrastructure.
“Salt has made its way into the steel infrastructure and the steel supports are popping so the plaster is being affected.”
High seas in recent years had encroached the facility’s exterior exhibits like the seal and ray pools, and the boardwalk, she added.
Tinley said the remedial work was currently out to tender, but a feasibility study had been done for the aquarium’s possible relocation. The building would then be condemned.
A year ago impressive concept plans were presented by the Sustainable Seas Trust and designed by architectural firm Smale and Partners, for a multimillion-rand Ocean Discovery Centre at the site of Heroes Park across the road to the present aquarium.
Yesterday Friends of the Aquarium vice-chairman Mervyn Gatc-ke said besides urgent structural repairs there was little reason to “pump more money into it”.
“This is an opportunity for the city fathers to do something special for East London,” said Gatcke. “It could move across the road or to Orient Beach, an ideal place for a new marine centre.” — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
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