Choosing to adopt an animal is a fin-tastic way to show your support for The Deep and contribute towards valuable conservation efforts for marine species across the globe.
Within this private Adopters' Page you will receive exclusive news and information just for you. We will be sharing up to date news on your animal, inside knowledge from behind the scenes and any animal antics going on.
To view all the news relating to your adopted animal, simply select the species from the drop down below.
Spring has sprung
As Easter approaches, Spring is very much in the air here amongst The Deeps 13 strong colony of Gentoo Penguins. The penguins are courting and pebbles are being passed around left right and centre as each male aims to create the perfect stony nest for his mate to lay her eggs.
During this time you will slowly begin to see nest rings form on the ground and really identify which penguin is paired with who. Even when courting is complete, the penguins will continue to bow their heads regularly to each other to re-affirm their relationship. Although this all sounds very civilised, competition for the best pebbles is at an all-time high and other males can often be seen sneaking around, stealing from other nests if they spy a stone that takes his fancy.
We will keep you updated as the breeding season progresses!
Egg-citing times ahead
After our first success at breeding and rearing these beautiful sharks back in 2015, we are delighted to announce that we have yet more eggs incubating behind the scenes! Taking an average 160 days to hatch, our Aquarists are already preparing for the work ahead.
Our female Zebra shark has been laying eggs for the past few months now within the Endless Oceans display. When found, our Aquarists remove them so that they can check whether or not they contain a yolk. When a yolk is present, these eggs are placed in an isolated incubator where water quality can be strictly managed and any embryo development can be carefully monitored. But the work doesn't end there, once hatched, the Aquarists have to carefully prepare the sharks diet and monitor their rate of growth.
Since our initial success, the threat to Zebra sharks has increased in the wild. The IUCN has reclassified these sharks from Vulnerable to Endangered, demonstrating a greater need for more education and awareness around the importance of sharks within ocean ecosystems. Conservation strategies, such as aquarium breeding programmes, are assisting in ensuring that these animals gain the protection they need for the future.
Bullhuss babies
Having arrived from National Marine Aquarium in early 2018, these juvenile Bullhuss have been growing well behind the scenes. Thanks to their hearty appetites, these nocturnal sharks have tripled in size and, when large enough, they will join our other Bullhuss in the Northern Seas display within Cool Seas.
Living in the waters surrounding the UK, the Bullhuss is a species of catshark and is also known as the Greater-spotted dogfish. Developing within an egg case, the eggs are anchored to rocks and seaweeds with tough silken tendrils and left to incubate amongst the ocean currents. Once hatched, these egg cases are often found washed ashore and are also known as mermaids’ purses. Next time you head to the beach, see if you can spot one along the strandline! Don't forget to report your finding to The Shark Trust too, this data is a valuable source of information for understanding our UK shark species and developing methods to conserve them for the future.
Turtle car wash
No, we are not talking soap and wax… but our turtles do enjoy a good scrub! Part of their backbone, a turtle can feel everything through its shell and the gentle sensation created is rather enjoyable, a bit like a massage. But more than just some turtle TLC, there are plenty of health benefits.
In the wild, turtles regularly visit specialised ‘cleaning stations’ where fish are more than happy to pick off dead skin cells and any algae and general detritus clinging to its shell (carapace). Organised just like an underwater ‘car wash’, each day the turtles will take in turns to enter in through one end, be swarmed by hungry fish and leave, squeaky clean, out the other!
Although some element of this does occur within The Deep’s Endless Oceans, our Aquarists offer a helping hand by arming themselves with scrubbing brushes and a bit of elbow grease. The turtles are usually scrubbed every week or two, which helps keep their carapace strong and healthy. This extra bit of care can take place either at the surface after feeding or under the water during a dive. So keep your eyes peeled for 'turtle car wash' on your next visit!
The Deep takes the safety and security of its staff and visitors seriously and continue to work with Counter Terrorism Police Officers to review security regimes on a regular basis. Whilst the details of such plans cannot be shared we have in place measures to respond to changes in the threat levels for international terrorism. In light of recent events the security within the building and external spaces has been reviewed.
For the safety and reassurance of visitors, The Deep reserves the right to carry out random bag searches at reception. To avoid delays, please avoid bringing large bags and rucksacks.
