The Release of Dané: A Triumph for Marine Conservation

1 min read
marine conservation two oceans aquarium

In March of 2023, Jean Tresfon, a renowned marine conservationist photographer captured an extraordinary moment at Struisbaai Main Beach. The event was the successful release of Dané, a female ragged-tooth shark by the Two Oceans Aquarium. The release of Dané was a significant milestone for the conservation efforts of the Aquarium and highlights the importance of protecting marine life.

The Journey of Dané

Dané was caught off the coast of Seavale in 2017 by local angler Mike Dedericks. Mike was given the honour of naming the shark and chose to name her Dané. The ragged-tooth shark was nurtured and cared for by the Two Oceans Aquarium for four years before being released back into the wild.

Before her release, Dané was carefully examined by the Aquarium’s veterinary team to ensure she was in good health and prepared for the journey back to the ocean. She was transported in a secure tank on a large truck to Struisbaai, where she was examined again before being transferred to the ocean.

The Release

The Struisbaai community warmly welcomed Dané back to the open ocean, and the Aquarium’s efforts were warmly received. The curatorial team at the Aquarium carefully walked Dané into the ocean in a stretcher where she was allowed to acclimatise for ten minutes. During this time, her behaviour was carefully monitored to determine when it was safe to release her.

After a few minutes, the team released Dané back into the ocean, and two divers monitored her movements as she swam away. Dané was tagged with a spaghetti tag that would help collect scientific information about her movements along the coast.

The release of Dané marks a significant triumph for the Two Oceans Aquarium’s conservation efforts. The Aquarium’s dedication to the well-being of marine life is commendable, and their efforts to conserve shark populations are crucial in a world where human activities threaten the ocean’s delicate balance. The release of Dané raises awareness about the plight of these magnificent creatures and underscores the importance of protecting them.

Environmentalist and Outdoor Enthusiast. Amanda is a nature-loving, energetic, and enthusiastic environmentalist who has dedicated her life to exploring and protecting Cape Town's stunning natural landscapes. She is an experienced hiker, wildlife enthusiast, and advocate for sustainable tourism.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

The Thrilling World of Monster Jam in South Africa

Next Story

SOFIA – A Boho Chic Dining Experience in Stellenbosch

Latest from Blog

The Anticipation Builds: Mamelodi Sundowns vs AmaZulu in Historic DStv Premiership Matchup

Football fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu FC in the DStv Premiership. Sundowns, with their impressive track record, is a force to be reckoned with, while AmaZulu is a renewed competitive spirit, making for a historic matchup. Social media is buzzing with excitement, and all eyes are on the game set to take place on December 6th at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban. Ultimately, South African football emerges as the ultimate victor in this fiercely competitive league.

Can Sharks benefit from Shark Cage Diving?

Shark cage diving offers shark lovers an extraordinary opportunity to witness these ancient creatures in their natural habitat. Forget movies like Jaws and Sharkando, and experience sharks in the wild where you can see for yourself their great beauty. When booking your shark trip, it’s natural to ask yourself if shark cage diving does anything to benefit the sharks?  First and foremost, shark cage diving brings a significant amount of awareness of sharks and their plight. Many sharks are listed as endangered due to overfishing and other reasons, all by the hand of humans. Consequently, it’s humans that we need

The Dissonant Chord: Zahara in a Stir of Health and Finance

Zahara, a beloved South African vocalist, is facing health and financial issues that have left her in a difficult situation. She has been battling serious health conditions and needs more funds for tests before she can be added to the waiting list for a liver transplant. Unfortunately, her family is financially crippled and rumors surfaced that her sisters were misusing her funds for their own shopping sprees. Despite the difficulties, her fans eagerly await her return to the stage.

Jacaranda FM: An Entertainment Hub and Advocate for Food Safety

Jacaranda FM is a popular radio station in South Africa that offers a mix of English and Afrikaans content. Beyond entertainment, the station is committed to advocating for food safety, upholding regulations, and promoting responsible practices. It engages listeners through social media and online streaming, adapting to the digital age while remaining anchored in the community it serves. As a dynamic media giant, Jacaranda FM continues to evolve and grow, offering a comprehensive approach to addressing the daily complexities of its listeners’ lives.