Blue, a female ragged tooth shark, in the Save Our Seas Shark Exhibit after her rescue from wildlife trafficking.
Image: Supplied
In a remarkable milestone for shark conservation, the Two Oceans Aquarium fulfilled a long-held dream on 18 March 2026, releasing Blue, a female ragged-tooth shark, back into the ocean at Struisbaai. After spending eight transformative years within the aquarium's walls, Blue was returned to her natural habitat, embodying hope for her species and the critical role they play in marine ecosystems.
Blue’s journey began on 3 May 2018, when she was rescued from the clutches of wildlife trafficking, weighing in at 26.6 kg and measuring 183 cm. Under the loving care of the aquarium’s staff, she blossomed into a majestic ambassador for her kind, growing to an impressive 201 kg and 295 cm during her stay.
The aquarium staff, led by Senior Curator Kevin Spiby, expressed mixed emotions during the release, recognising both the gratitude and the bittersweet weight of saying farewell to one of their most beloved inhabitants.
“Today, we had the privilege of returning one of our largest ragged-tooth sharks to the big blue,” he said. “She has educated thousands of visitors about the importance of sharks in the marine environment.”
The Two Oceans Aquarium’s Curatorial team walk Blue, a female ragged tooth shark, back into the ocean for release in Struisbaai after 8 years in the Save Our Seas Shark Exhibit.
Image: Supplied
On the day of her release, Blue was transported in a specially designed, secure, oxygenated chamber, with Aquarium Veterinarian Dr Ilse Jenkinson outlining the stringent precautions taken for her safe journey.
“All precautions were taken, including continuous medical monitoring,” she said, emphasising the attention to Blue's health throughout the process.
A small crowd gathered at the ocean's edge, their faces a mix of anticipation and excitement. Aquarium staff were on hand to educate the public about Blue’s journey and the wider conservation efforts in progress. The team carried Blue to the water on a specially designed stretcher, carefully navigating the surf.
As she began to push against the constraints of her holding area, it was apparent that Blue was more than ready to embrace her freedom. Following a signal from her, the team released her while three divers were present to monitor her initial behaviour as she ventured into the open ocean.
Blue, a female ragged tooth shark, undergoes a health assessment by the Two Oceans Aquarium’s veterinary team in preparation for her release back into the open ocean.
Image: Supplied
“Blue showed healthy vitals and blood parameters during quarantine. The transport went smoothly, and she had a good and strong response before being released back into the ocean,” Dr Jenkinson said, confirming the success of the release.
Blue’s story extends beyond her time at the aquarium; she was equipped with a tracking tag that will allow researchers to monitor her movements, contributing to vital scientific data on the behaviour of sharks and their ecological importance, an increasingly pressing issue amidst human impact on oceanic environments. The aquarium also fitted her with a unique spaghetti tag, encouraging local fishers to report her if she's ever caught in their nets.
The enthusiastic community of Struisbaai warmly welcomed Blue back into the sea, underlining the importance of local support in conservation efforts.
“The Aquarium releases ragged-tooth sharks here due to there being an existing population in this area, which migrate along the Agulhas Bank towards KwaZulu-Natal,” Heather Wares, Communications Manager for the aquarium, said.
"The Two Oceans Aquarium is steadfast in its commitment to the conservation of ragged-tooth sharks. Each shark housed in the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit serves as an ambassador to advocate for awareness and education about sharks.
“Catch and release is a central component of the ragged-tooth shark conservation programme at the Two Oceans Aquarium,” explained Dr Jenkinson, highlighting the importance of fostering understanding and appreciation for these misunderstood creatures.
“The message these sharks deliver is not to fear them but to be in awe and wonder of these complex animals.”