One of the most beloved spots in Cape Town, the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront is popular across all age groups. Everyone has their favourite exhibit, from the kelp forest and the sharks to the penguins and the seals – there’s an entire world to explore. We chatted with two of the Two Oceans Aquarium team about their experiences, what they love about working in the aquarium, and why it’s such a special place.
Shanet Rutgers
Senior Penguin Keeper & Animal Health Technician
When I was young, my mom always took me to the aquarium for my birthday, and I was amazed by the fish. The penguin exhibit was always my favourite – I loved watching the penguins’ feeds and dreamt of being an Animal Keeper one day. During high school, one of the educators mentioned to the class that there was a Marine Biology course opening at the Aquarium – and that very same day, I rushed home to write a motivational letter to apply. As soon as I got accepted, I smiled from ear to ear as I knew which career direction I wanted to go in. After the course, I joined the volunteer program and had the opportunity to meet the very same lady who fed the penguins when I used to visit the Aquarium.
She, along with the penguin team, taught me so much about the birds. My heart melted with joy and I was always excited to work with the penguins during my shift. Today, I am one of the Senior penguin Keepers and I still love my job!
Why do you love what you do?
It’s a privilege to work with animals and to teach people – I was first interested in being a schoolteacher when I was young, but when I found my love in penguins, I changed my career. To be able to combine teaching with looking after penguins is just amazing, and every day is a new day with something new to learn!
What is a highlight for you during your day?
Before the Aquarium opens at 9:30am, I get to spend one on one time with the penguins. The birds are fed breakfast and I love being the morning feeder as I get to interact with the penguins with no visitors around. Every morning when I walk onto the penguin beach and call out “Morning, Penguins”, they recognise my voice and will call back instantly – and that is pretty special!
What is a favourite memory from your time of working at the Aquarium?
There are so many memories – when the penguins were very young, they used to visit the office and all the office staff at the Aquarium would down their pens and play with them. Ayah, one of our youngest African penguins on the beach, is always up to mischief and can often be seen visiting empty nests and popping his head out, which provides plenty of entertainment to visitors. And then there’s lavender day. Penguins love lavender because it’s soft and acts as a natural insect repellent for birds, and when we place it on the beach for nesting material, they squabble over it as they waddle across which is incredibly funny.
What would you like the public to know about life at the Aquarium?
It’s an educational space – each animal that comes into the aquarium is an ambassador for its species, to teach people about what life under water is like. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to show people what there is underwater, and how much there is to discover. It’s not always about the big fish, like sharks and whales – there are other facets such as gracefulness, colour, tranquillity that the aquarium can show the public.
Kirshia Govender
FET & Adult Courses Teacher
I started within the aquarium as a volunteer in 2008, working with people and animals behind the scenes, and studied as a marine biologist and oceanographer while I was volunteering. I became interested in working with the public in an education role, and today I work for the Two Oceans Education Foundation, working with Grade 10s and above.
Why do you love what you do?
What is a highlight for you during your day?
