uShaka Sea World has been accorded the highest recognition that a living animal institution can achieve in Africa when it received an African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB) accreditation plaque at the recent PAAZAB conference.

Over the past five years, learners and their teachers from previously disadvantaged schools in Kwa-Ndengezi, Inanda, Maphephetheni, Sea Cow Lake, Hammarsdale and Umbumbulu have committed to increasing their knowledge of the marine environment.

Yesterday the Waddlers completed the first 20km leg of their long journey, from Gansbaai to Stanford.

For the third consecutive year, a group of marine enthusiasts will waddle for a week from Gansbaai to Boulders Beach – a total distance of 130km.

Congratulations to Danny and Maria Oliphant, who won uShaka platinum passes in the Invertebrate Survey lucky draw.

For the first time in its history, uShaka Sea World will be introducing cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) to the public – in its Rocky Reef Exhibit later this month. In another first for an African aquarium, staff have taught the rays to accept hand-held food.

uShaka Marine World was once again a destination of choice for locals and visitors to Durban over the Easter season.

Visitor numbers this year were higher than the previous two Easter seasons, with Easter weekend figures averaging 8 000 visitors a day. The fine weather and numerous events planned along the Durban beachfront meant the beaches were teeming with families enjoying a day out in the sun.

Easter is all about mouth-watering chocolate delights in colourful wrappers – and this year uShaka Marine World is hosting Africa’s Largest Easter Egg Hunt, with 100 000 chocolate eggs waiting to be found.

At 8.30pm on Saturday 23 March 2013, uShaka Sea World will unite with millions around the globe by switching off its lights during Earth Hour (8.30pm to 9.30pm).

Eight lucky life sciences learners will be chosen for uShaka Sea World’s upcoming Work Experience Programme in July 2013. All applicants are required to submit a letter of motivation, along with two reference letters – one from the learner’s life sciences educator.