The National Zoological Garden (NZG), home to the largest inland aquarium on the African continent, has added a variety of new marine fish to its collection, three Blacktip Reef Sharks and more than 200 colourful marine fish. This exciting update brings fresh energy to the aquarium and offers visitors an even richer glimpse into the wonders of ocean life.

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.

“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 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 to 2 metres.

The sharks arrived at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport from Kenya following a 10-hour flight and were promptly transported to the NZG. Each shark travelled in a 1,000-litre plastic tank fitted with secure lids and connected to life support systems to ensure proper oxygenation during the journey. Upon arrival, they were carefully introduced to their new environment, gradually adjusting 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.

Now fully settled, the new arrivals are thriving, feeding well, interacting with their surroundings, and capturing the curiosity and admiration of visitors.

With this marine update, the NZG invites the public to dive deeper into the fascinating world of ocean life, right in the heart of Pretoria.