Sea World's Youngest Dolphin Khethiwe Turns 3
Khethiwe, the youngest dolphin at uShaka Sea World was born shortly after midnight on the 25th November 2008 amid thunderous applause from the staff who had gathered around the maternity pool in anticipation of her arrival.
Her birth was captured on film which was a first for Sea World.
Khethiwe is a most remarkable little dolphin who decided a long time ago that she just wasn't going to make a public appearance until she was ready to do so. So she has remained out of the main show pool for the past two years and only occasionally peeped round the corner at the audience then quickly darted back. Her mom Frodo, trainers and guests to Sea World have just had to wait patiently as no amount of coaxing into the show pool could interest her.
This was, until yesterday, the day before her birthday, when she came out into the main pool with mom, Frodo and dad, Gambit for the first time. She is a playful, inquisitive and independent dolphin and now that she knows the show pool (with lots of humans making noise) is not only safe but can also be fun, she is making appearances in all the shows.
We celebrated her birthday today with loads of school children who sang happy birthday to her and a birthday cake made of ice and jelly.
In 1996 a young 300g Green turtle found herself stranded on the beach in Muizenburg in the Cape – a very long way from home. The young turtle was taken to Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town where staff nursed her back to health but despite all efforts her front flipper remained a concern, especially during the icy winter months.
Sea World boasts an impressive Dolphin Stadium, seating over 1 200 spectators, who are thrilled and delighted with three dolphins show presentations each day. Separate interactive tanks, known as the Dolphin Lagoon, allow up close and personal encounters with these amazing creatures. Alongside the Dolphin Stadium, is the Seal Stadium, host of fun-filled seal shows, as well as the Penguin rockery, home to over 63 African Penguins.
uShaka Sea World is also home to the South African Association for Marine Biological Research and its world-famous Oceanographic Research Institute, playing an important role in marine conservation. Special ‘behind the scenes’ tours are available - you will be fascinated by the large pumps and reticulations systems used to feed the salt water displays, as well as uShaka Sea World’s rehabilitation programme for injured marine life.
The anchor of Sea World is the majestic “Phantom Ship” designed as a re-creation of an old 1920’s Cargo Ship, wrecked on the Island of Sea World, and is host to the most sought after dining experience in Durban, The Cargo Hold and The Upper Deck Restaurants.
