SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium yesterday kicked off celebrations to mark a momentous milestone - 25 years of operation - with an underwater birthday party, held in the world's largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit. The exclusive party was attended by a collection of aquarists and a flurry of aquatic guests including the Leopard Shark, Black Tip Reef Shark, Grey Reef Shark, Smalltooth Sawfish and schools of vibrantly coloured tropical fish.At the party, aquarists donned fancy dress and toasted to the milestone by blowing out the candles of an enormous, inflatable birthday cake and making an underwater toast to twenty five years of ongoing success.
Amy Wilkes, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Senior Aquarist commented: "As well as working closely with SEA LIFE Conservation Fund to help Breed, Rescue and Protect our unique marine life, swimming inside the world's largest Great Barrier Reef tank with our wonderful aquatic friends never fails to take my breath away. To celebrate the milestone this way seemed a fitting gesture to recognise and celebrate the attractions 25-year journey".
"Reflecting on SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium's 25th Anniversary has been a wonderful opportunity for us to consider the impact our history has had on visitors and supporters. Our emphasis is on public education and marine conservation and to date, $700,000 has been raised for the SEA LIFE Conservation Fund to continue their work in conserving marine life, which makes this anniversary that much more significant for us," said Ms Wilkes.
Looking back over 25 years, it's impressive to conceive that over 140,000 animals and almost 1,000 newly born babies have called SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium home - additionally, 39 Penguin chicks have been successfully raised, 20 weddings have taken place and almost 30 million visitors have been educated by visiting the attraction. There are also four animals which have been at the attraction since day one including two lungfish and two Grey Nurse Sharks.
Chris McDonald, a SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium employee since day one, says the attraction has gone from strength to strength since its establishment in 1988.
"From the very start, the aquarium has continued to grow and expand. Twenty five years on, we are bigger and have the latest in aquarium technology, which allows us to focus much more on conservation initiatives through our in house SEA LIFE Conservation Programme," he said.
To commemorate SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium's rich history dating back to 1988, guests over school holidays will be offered the chance to walk down memory lane with historical photos and video on display commemorating 25 years of amazing discovery. Guests can also help celebrate this milestone with party hats and a limited edition 25th anniversary souvenir booklet available for purchase. Also, guests to enter on July 13th will be given a lucky dip prize to help celebrate the occasion, with prizes including Merlin Annual Passes, discounted entry and discounts at the food, beverage and gift stores.
Over school holidays, kids can also enjoy afternoon appearances by Captain Barnacles from Octonauts who will be residing at the attraction for the duration of the school holiday period. Kids can discover plenty of Octonauts themed activities including the chance to watch their all-time favourite episodes, enjoy an Octonauts activity corner and even an Octonauts pledge station to help save the world's oceans.
THE DETAILS: What: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium's 25th Anniversary
When: July School Holidays, Octonauts 29 June - 14 July
Opening hours: Open 9am-8pm
How much: Walk-up price - Adults: $38, Children (4-15yrs): $22, Concession: $28. For the best value, combine SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium with other favourite Sydney attractions including WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye and Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary. The more you see, the more you save.
To book visit www.sydneyaquarium.com.au
Contact: 02 8251 7800
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