Bayworld, one of the leading tourist attractions in Nelson Mandela Bay, has received funding from the Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) for a major upgrade.
Last year Bayworld received R10 million from DSRAC for infrastructure development in the complex, with the aim of improving the facility to make the oceanarium an attraction for visitors once again. Construction is scheduled for completion in May.
Work on the oceanarium is now close to completion. The penguin habitat has been totally rebuilt and will include underwater viewing of the penguins as well as an larger pool. The existing seal pool is being repaired and upgraded.
A new seal show and interaction pool are being completed and will be joined to the existing seal pool by a canal. The aquarium area will the see the addition of a new smaller more intimate display using cylindrical tanks.
Bayworld said that, unfortunately, the existing shark tank could not be repaired with the funds available but added that it hoped to build a larger more impressive shark exhibit in the future.
The snake park will undergo repair and upgrade work to the current enclosures. The biggest development in this area will be an upgraded animatronic dinosaur exhibit with a lost world theme.
Many aesthetic upgrades have also taken place, with revitalised gardens, new paving and painting upgrades of the boundary walls. Bayworld’s 19th century house museum, No. 7 Castle Hill, is also receiving some attention, with repair work to the roof, windows and electrical system.
“Our animals are all safe and sound in their temporary holding facilities,” said a statement by Bayworld. It added that daily animal talks and interactions with animal keepers were continuing in the amphitheatre area at 11h00 and 15h00, and snake interactions were taking place in the museum at 12h00 daily.
Chief Curator, Robyn Greyling, and Finance Manager, Zoliswa Mava, said while many people have asked if the dolphins are coming back, the R10 million will not be enough to rebuild the facilities for housing them. An estimated R500 million is needed to rebuild such facilities.
“This upgrade is finally a step in the right direction; we are beginning to rebuild our facility. Our ultimate goal is to hopefully one day bring our dolphins back to Port Elizabeth,” said Greyling and Mava.
Bayworld urged the public to take advantage of its greatly reduce entrance fees while the Oceanarium and Snake Park are temporarily closed – adults are R20 and children R10.
