Happy World Turtle Day!!

Posted on May 23, 2013 by oc_admin

Happy World Turtle Day!!

So I hear you ask….what is world turtle day all about and why does it matter? Well, it is a day celebrated around the world to bring attention to and increase the knowledge of turtles and tortoises and also highlight some of the threats they face.

So here goes with some awareness; did you know there are over 350 species of tortoises and freshwater turtles, not including the 7 species of marine turtles (collectively known as chelonians)? The second largest of the marine species, the Green sea turtle can be seen here at the Oceanarium. Sad to say nearly half of all these species are threatened with extinction making them one of the most threatened vertebrate groups in existence on Earth today!

The Oceanarium's Giant Green Sea Turtles; Friday & Crusoe

The Oceanarium’s Giant Green Sea Turtles; Friday & Crusoe

So what are some of the threats that these animals face? Unfortunately, they come from a huge mixture of sources whether it be natural e.g. predation or man-made such as habitat destruction.  Here are a few of the main threats:

  • Hunting – it is believed in some cultures that consuming turtle meat has medical benefits.  However, this hasn’t been proven.
  • Pollution – the most common methods of pollution that affects chelonians are through ingestion and entanglement. In the sea, sea turtles often think items such as plastic bags are food and eat them. As they look a lot like a jellyfish to an animal that has no idea what plastic is.  Plastic bags choke the creatures and get stuck in their digestive systems. On land tortoises will get caught up in plastics, often losing limbs or having deformed growth when they cannot be removed.
  • Pet trade – a lot of chelonians are now captive bred. However, there are still a large number that are removed from the wild to become people’s pets. Luckily a lot of the smugglers are being caught, though regrettably the animals aren’t put back in their natural habitat.Keeping a pet tortoise or turtle isn’t appropriate for everyone, they need a lot of care and owners are often unprepared for the length of time these animals live. We here at the Oceanarium will receive at least a couple of phone calls a week asking us to re-home unwanted pet turtles.
  • Global warming – the gender of a baby turtle, whether they are going to be boys or girls, isn’t determined the same way ours is: DNA. Theirs is determined by temperature a process called temperature-dependent sex determination. A warmer nest will result in more females and a cooler nest will give more males. Normally within a clutch there will be an even distribution of temperature giving a good mix of boys and girls. Global warming leads to an increase in environmental temperature, which would lead to the production of more females,making it harder for them to find a mate and continue their species.

These are just some of the threats faced by turtles, hopefully on this awareness day you will be inspired to find out more information and come in to the Oceanarium to learn more and see how many of our turtles and tortoises you can spot.

by Ellie Richards (Aquatics Department)

Our Pig-nosed Turtle, Bob

Our Pig-nosed Turtle, Bob

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Developing the Otter Pup’s foraging skills!

Posted on April 29, 2013 by oc_admin

Our adorable otter pups are now nine months old, hasn’t time has flown by! And although Mo, Jess and Sophie almost look like adults they are still at the developmental stage of their lives where there are lots of new things for them to experience and learn (they even got to experience the sun on their beachfront balcony for the first time ever last week after such a dreary winter!) With this in mind the otters are provided with varied and new enrichment to aid their development.

Otter pups sunbathing for the first time

Otter pups sunbathing for the first time

As part of their lunchtime feed last week, a plastic bottle filled with some of their favourite foods, monkey nuts and mealworms, was hung from a tree in the otter enclosure. This is known as a behavioural enrichment activity.

Holly Brennan, our Otter Keeper shares with us, “Enrichment is essential as it enhances the quality of care for captive animals by introducing a stimulus which will encourage normal wild-like behaviours to occur. This particular activity keeps the otters mentally stimulated whilst mimicking a natural foraging behaviour. ”

Lunchtime for the Otter pups

Lunchtime for the Otter pups

The oriental small – clawed otter has the shortest claws of all otter species which enables them to have very dexterous paws; perfect for handling and catching small prey.

 In the wild, otters will quite often put their nimble paws into tiny cracks and crevices around the riverbed to catch insects and small fish which may be taking refuge in the rocks. Placing part of their feed in this bottle, high off the ground, made lunchtime a little bit more challenging!

Challenging lunchtime for the Otter's

Challenging lunchtime for the Otter’s

Our pups watched as mum and dad, Roxy and Stan, took turns to climb up the tree and pull out nuts and worms, one at a time, for each pup in turn. They all had a go at climbing the tree but it appeared that holding onto the trunk of the tree and grabbing food from the bottle was too much of a test for our pups. They still have much to learn before they can revival the skills of their parents, but you could tell they still had a great time trying though!

Family lunchtime

Family lunchtime

 This is why enrichment activities are so important as the pups start to learn essential new skills necessary for their survival. This feeding activity will be repeated by the Oceanarium otter keepers around different areas of the enclosure, using various shaped containers, to encourage the pups to learn these climbing and foraging skills. So next time you are visiting be sure to keep an eye out for enrichment activities such as these!

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MARCH ALONG TO OCEANARIUM THIS MONTH AT HALF PRICE

Posted on February 28, 2013 by oc_admin

Oceanarium Bournemouth is offering locals the opportunity to discover a whole world of oceans and meet their aquatic neighbours including the area’s newest residents – three adorable young otters Mo, Jess and Sophie, the for just half the price throughout March*.

The award winning seafront aquarium is delighted to announce the return of its ever popular half price local’s discount month and this year, it’s got even bigger and better with locals living in postcodes BH, DT and SO being offered the opportunity to take advantage of 50 per cent off the standard full admission price.

Sara Kirchel, Marketing, PR & Creative Manager at the Oceanarium said, “This is the eighth year we have offered 50 per cent discount to local people during March and we see more and more coming through the doors every year! We are thrilled to be opening up the promotion to the wider community this year.

“It’s our way of saying thank you to residents in the surrounding areas for their support throughout the year and it is fantastic to be able to give them a chance to visit their favourite aquarium for a fraction of the price”.

Sara added “Visitors and up to three friends or family members can see hundreds of beautiful creatures all under one roof for just half the normal admission price, from stunning sharks, rare green sea turtles to colourful clownfish and menacing piranhas. It also provides a great chance for people to meet the Oceanarium’s newest residents, the very cute, mischievous family of Oriental small clawed otters for the first time”.

The half price admission runs 1st – 28th March 2013 inclusive only and is valid for up to 4 people per postcode ID.  Visitors must present proof of their BH, DT or SO postcode (e.g. driving licence or utility bill) and in return will receive up to four half price admissions.  Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, annual pass, internet or family ticket.

BH, DT & SO residents special price in March  
£4.95 per Adult (full price £9.95)
£3.25 per Child (3-15yrs) (full price £6.50)
£4.25 per Senior Citizen (60+ yrs) (full price £8.50)
£4.25 per Student (ID required) (full price £8.50)
£3.75 per Disabled / Carer (full price £7.50)

For further information about the Oceanarium or the half price offer, visit www.oceanarium.co.uk

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Oceanarium’s Fundraising for 2012

Posted on January 25, 2013 by oc_admin

Supporting conservational issues is very important to us here at the Oceanarium, and as such we always have a fundraising project on the go! From 2010-11 we successfully raised an impressive £2,400 for the CBD-Habitat Mauritania Monk Seal Conservation Project, more of which you can read about here. 

Throughout 2012 and into 2013 we are not only fundraising and raising awareness for the Monk Seals but two other great additional campaigns; EAZA Southeast Asia Campaign and BIAZA Reserve which, with a MASSIVE thank you to our visitors, has seen us raise an even more impressive total of £4,200 and counting!

The Southeast Asia Campaign is a colloboration between EAZA  and IUCN/SSC  that raises funds and awareness for the conservation of the biodiversity of Southeast Asia. The IUCN/SSC has identified that big animals (those over 1kg) in Southeast Asia are declining most rapidly and that without immediate action could disappear forever.

To read more about their campaign and the great work they are doing visit their website here. 

The BIAZA Reserve Project is a collaboration between BIAZA and the World Land Trust whereby BIAZA members helped to raise enough money to purchase an area of threatened wildlife habitat in the Coastal Atlantic Forest of Brazil to extend the area of land in the reserve owned and run by REGUA (Reserve Ecological de Guapi Assu).  The funds now raised by BIAZA and WLT are being used to restore, protect and manage it. The Atlantic rainforest is an area of high biodiversity, but is also considered to be one of the most critically endangered ecosystems in the world, following severe habitat destruction. To read more about the project click here.

Here is a breakdown of the totals we have raised so far for each campaign:

EAZA Southeast Asia Campaign

Total so far: £2,000

BIAZA RESERVE

Total so far: £1,000

MONK SEALS

Total so far: £1,200

Receiving a bronze award from the Southeast Asia Campaign for our fundraising efforts

Receiving a bronze award from the Southeast Asia Campaign for our fundraising efforts

To raise the money for the campaigns we offer visitors the opportunity to help feed our giant green sea turtles by purchasing a small pot of food for a £2 donation which all goes to the campaigns.

To raise awareness about the campaigns we use the time when pots are available to purchase to inform people about where all the money is going, as well as colourful information boards up around our displays.

This has all proved incredibly successful and we will continue our activities through 2013. So if you are visiting at the weekends or school holidays look out for the opportunity to purchase a pot after our main feeding times and you could help too! Remember the fantastic totals we have accomplished so far really would not have been possible without you, our visitors!

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Tasty treats for otter triplets first Christmas!

Posted on December 21, 2012 by oc_admin

With the countdown to Christmas well underway staff here at the Oceanarium Bournemouth are busily preparing presents, treats and surprises of a very different kind.

Whilst most parents are busy shopping for turkey and tinsel top of the shopping list, here at the aquarium it is bags of sprouts, mince and carrots, all of which will be turned into tasty festive treats for the creatures including the family of Oriental small clawed otters. 

With four month old cubs Mo, Sophie and Jess about to experience their first Christmas our otter keepers have devised a delicious Christmas menu including special nibbles for the hungry trio and their parents Stan and Roxy to feast upon.  The festive feast will include turkey mince balls consisting of chopped sprouts, grated carrot and cranberries delivered in specially made Christmas parcels.

Click here to watch: Otter Pups Enjoy a Christmas Treat

Otters enjoy some Christmas gifts

The Otters enjoy some Christmas gifts

Aswell as having to unwrap the presents the five incredibly inquisitive otters will have to find them once we have hidden them around the Otter Oasis enclosure.

Our young otter pups are still experiencing many new activities for the first time and with it being their first Christmas at the Oceanarium we wanted to provide them with an extra special treat.

They love playing with anything new and are constantly learning how to best use their dextrous paws, so what better way to engage them than with a big present full of food that really puts their skills to the test.

Investigating their Christmas Treats

Investigating their Christmas Treats

Other members of our aquatic family set to receive festive goodies are endangered green sea turtles, Friday & Crusoe, who will consume one kilo of cabbage prepared by staff members, as well as munching through a selection of sprouts, carrots and apples. The red bellied piranhas will also be getting their teeth stuck into a tasty turkey dinner as a Christmas Day treat.

From Saturday 22nd December 2012 to Sunday 6th January 2013, visitors to the Oceanarium will also get to enjoy additional festivities over the Christmas holiday. Activities will include a Fish-mas Quiz Trail, Meet the Creature and Feed the Turtle sessions* plus nine feeding presentations will be taking place daily for visitors to watch.

To help entertain the family for even less this Christmas holiday the Oceanarium is offering a special online discount with savings of up to 25%. That’s a family of 4 for under £20!

 Christmas Opening Hours

The Oceanarium is open daily from 10am with the last admission at 4pm, closing at 5pm. Normal opening hours will occur during the Christmas holiday with the exception of Boxing Day and New Years Day when the Oceanarium will open at 11am, instead of 10am. Closed Christmas Day.

 
*Activities are included in the standard admission price except Feed the Turtles – £2 donation in aid of the Oceanarium’s chosen charity. Activities are subject to availability and may change without prior notice. Please see website for times.
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Oceanarium Otter Cubs Take First Dip

Posted on November 26, 2012 by oc_admin

Taking swimming lessons doesn’t tend to feature in your average job description but for some of our residents at the Oceanarium the task has become an exciting daily occurrence. 

 Mo, Jess and Sophie, our 15 week old resident otter cubs, took to the water for the very first time earlier last week and the cheeky trio are already demonstrating their competence in the water exploring the streams and pools within their Otter Oasis home.

Unfazed by learning a new skill the delightful trio have been melting hearts of  our staff and visitors alike since their arrival in August and have regularly been displaying new skills and traits taught by doting parents Stan and Roxy.  Taking to the water has proved no problem to the triplets who have wasted no time in demonstrating their new found confidence and showing off their swimming skills.

Oceanarium otter cubs playing with their Mum, Roxy

Oceanarium otter cubs playing with their Mum, Roxy. Photo credit: www.mikecollinsnature.com

Aptly named after Team GB’s Super Saturday Gold Medallists the otter cubs swimming performances are already worthy of a gold medal. Having taken their first few cautious paddles into the shallow pool two weeks ago, they are now exuberating in self-assurance; twirling, somersaulting and playing within the water much to visitors delight.

Oriental small clawed otters, the smallest of the otter species, are perfectly equipped for life in the water spending about 25% of their day in streams and pools. With their webbed feet, oily coats and strong tails that propel them through the water, otters are just as skilled below the waves as they are on land and the trio are definitely putting their suitably to the test. Otter cubs are born without the innate knowledge of how to swim and so are taught individually by their parents.

Oceanarium otter cub taking first dip

One of the otter cubs taking a dip. Photo credit: www.mikecollinsnature.com

Holly Brennan, our Otter Keeper, who closely monitors their daily evolution, is more than pleased with the cubs’ progress. She tells us, “I am so proud and impressed with the development of all three cubs within this short space of time. First time parents, Stan and Roxy, have been absolutely fantastic caring for and teaching Mo, Jess & Sophie basic life skills and regular swimming lessons have definitely aided the trio’s new found confidence within the water.

“We can’t wait to watch their confidence grow over the next few weeks as they take the tentative steps into the deeper pool.  The viewing window of Otter Oasis provides an amazing opportunity to see the otters swimming underwater and we are sure our visitors will be totally engaged by these adorable animals. There is still so much more to come.”

Visitors will be able to see the otter cubs and their new found underwater antics in Oceanarium’s Otter Oasis display, with otter feeding presentations at 10:30am and 1:00pm daily.

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NEW ARRIVALS….adorable new otter cubs!!

Posted on October 23, 2012 by oc_admin

We are extremely excited to now announce the arrival of three adorable new otter cubs to the Oceanarium!!

The three new otter cubs are beginning to emerge tentatively from their holt where they have spent the first two months of their lives close to their parents.  The emergence of the cubs means visitors can now start to catch a glimpse of them as they begin to explore, play and experience their new surroundings in their Otter Oasis.

On Saturday 4th August 2012, Roxy and Stan the oriental small clawed otters, became proud parents of triplets – two girls and one boy.  The otter pair, who were introduced to the Oceanarium family and to each other in October 2011, gave birth to the cubs which started arriving at 8.30 in the morning.  The third was born 45 minutes later.  We have already chosen the names Jess, Sophie and Mo after Team GB athletes Jessica Ennis, Sophie Hosking and Mo Farah who won Gold medals on the Super Saturday of the 2012 Olympics – the same day the cubs were born.

Jess, Mo and Sophie born on Super Saturday. Image courtesy of BNPS.

Jess, Mo and Sophie born on Super Saturday. Image courtesy of BNPS.

Holly, our proud otter keeper. Image courtesy of BNPS.

Holly, our proud otter keeper. Image courtesy of BNPS.

The cubs now weigh approximately 600g and are progressing very well, following the development guidelines for the species almost to the day.  They were crawling after 28 days, their eyes opened after 39 days, and they are walking at 49 days.  Following two months in the birthing holt, dependant on their mother’s milk, the pups have now begun venturing out to explore.  Essential swimming lessons will come next although at the moment the pups won’t be tempted into the water.   We were able to introduce our adorable  pair in October last year as part of a breeding programme plan, they quickly became a devoted couple and we are thrilled that they have successfully produced a family so quickly.  

We created the bespoke enclosure specifically to accommodate a family group of otters.  Designed to mirror their natural habitat complete with a mixture of grass, oriental shrubs, lush bamboo, soil, pebbles with flowing streams, waterfalls and a beachfront balcony feature, the Otter Oasis provides the otter residents every home comfort and plenty of space for a growing family.

Be among the first to see our baby otter cubs by heading over this half term and take advantage of our special half term discounted internet tickets for families.

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New magical ‘neigh’bours for our aquatic residents

Posted on August 22, 2012 by oc_admin

We are very excited to report that last week a group of adult seahorses made an appearance for the first time on display in our Marine Research Laboratory area in the Oceanarium. The beautifully delicate seahorses, called Lined or Northern seahorses (Hippocampus erectus), are no bigger than 5 inches in length and are classed as vulnerable in the ICUN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) ‘Red List’ which is just one step away from being endangered.  Originating from the Caribbean to South America, the new seahorses have been added to our aquatic family as part of a captive breeding programme. 

Seahorses settling into their new home at the Oceanarium

Our head Aquarist Olly shares “We hope that our seahorses will breed now that they are settling into their new home. In the wild seahorse populations could vanish if they continue to be exploited for traditional Chinese medicines and as tourist curios. More than 20 million seahorses are collected each year, causing some seahorse populations to crash by 50% over the last five years and countless numbers are also lost every year with the destruction of their coral reef, sea grass, and mangrove habitats.

While our visitors will delight in these beautiful, magical creatures, we have an important message to send them about the plight of seahorses in the wild. We are also working in partnership with The Seahorse Trust to help raise awareness of our local seahorses at Studland Bay”

And to finish off here is an interesting seahorse fact… did you know it is the male that cares for the young – the eggs are deposited by the female into the male’s pouch and he then holds them until they hatch?

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Don’t miss Peppa Pig at the Oceanarium!!

Posted on August 8, 2012 by oc_admin

We are very excited to announce that children’s favourite Peppa Pig will be visiting us at the Oceanarium to meet fans this summer! At intervals throughout the weekend of Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th August, Peppa Pig will be making personal appearances for children and families. Please see schedule below.

Seeing Peppa Pig is included in the admission price to the Oceanarium* and tickets are valid all day to enable visitors to ‘sea more’ and take full advantage of all the fun.  With quiz trails, a children’s entertainer, interactive meet the creature sessions and other ’fin-tastic’ activities in store for families visiting,  plus  nine daily feeding presentations of otters, sharks, stingrays, green sea turtles and eels, there will be so much to sea, learn and explore.

COMPETITION – enter our special competition during your visit and you could even win a Family of 4 ticket to Paulton’s Park so you could visit Peppa again at Peppa Pig World!

To celebrate Peppa Pig’s special visit to the Oceanarium, the Offshore café will be serving yummy treats including Daddy Pig’s favourite cookies, and delicious chocolate cake, just like Granny Pig makes. Not only that but children will be able to treasure their day out with Peppa Pig themed souvenirs, including buckets and spades, toys and games all available in The Cove gift shop.

Peppa Pig will be making personal appearances at the following times:

  • 11:00am         
  • 12:00pm         
  • 13:00pm         
  • 14:30pm         
  • 15:30pm       

For more information call 01202 311993.

Please note: Presentation of a valid Oceanarium admission ticket (purchased on 18th or 19th August) will be required to access the meet and greet pen to see Peppa Pig,  which will be located outside the main Oceanarium building but within the Oceanarium grounds.  Please be aware that with all popular Character events, queuing is likely.

*Promotional tickets (including online promotional code tickets) and vouchers are not valid for the duration of the weekend – 18th or 19th August 2012.

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Enjoy summer family fun for a fraction of the price!

Posted on August 3, 2012 by oc_admin

This summer there is so much fin-tastic family fun to be had, with lots of families already taking advantage of our up to 25% off promotion. So you can come face to face with all of your favourite marine creatures including giant sea turtles, mischievous otters, brightly coloured clownfish, stunning sharks and menacing piranhas for a discounted price!

If that wasn’t enough, you can also enjoy the exciting activities we’ve planned for the school holidays. Help our Aquarists Feed the Turtles by throwing them their favourite food for a donation of £2 in aid of the BIAZA Rainforest Reserve Campaign. Make like a champion by completing the Olympic Skills Quiz Trail and also take part in the Meet the Creature Sessions where you can get up close to our creepy crawlies, starfish and bearded dragon!

Meeting the starfish
Getting up close and personal with our starfish!

You can also watch the waters come alive in the nine different feeds and presentations throughout the day including our famous green sea turtles, stingrays, sharks and for the summer two Otter Feeding Presentations.

Feeding the turtles
Our visitors feed the turtles!

Discover more in the world’s first virtual Interactive Dive Cage and learn about the great white shark, dolphin, manta ray and blue whale all from the safety of the Oceanarium.

Additional summer activities and the online promotional code run until the 3rd September.

Remember, your tickets are valid for the entire day of purchase so you can make the most of all the Oceanarium has to offer. What are you waiting for? There is so much to Sea, Learn and Explore – and now you can save even more!

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