So Long and Thanks for all the Fish

After 55 years as an aquatic wonderland, Manly Sea Life Sanctuary has closed its doors for the last time.

The much-loved aquarium has changed its name and focus over the decades, but has always been committed to sea creatures and the marine environment. 

When the aquarium first opened as Marineland in 1963, it was the largest in the southern hemisphere and third largest in the world. It contained hundreds of fish, giant turtles and Port Jackson and Wobbegong sharks.

​It survived the massive 1974 storm that demolished the harbour pool next door. But in 1987 it was largely rebuilt, and re-opened as Manly Underwater World. It became Manly Oceanworld in 2000 and finally Manly Sea Life Sanctuary in 2012. 

While the aquarium has always been popular, the ageing building has been increasingly difficult to maintain. So in March of last year, Merlin Entertainments Group, which runs the Sanctuary, announced it would have to close. 

The closure is upsetting for aquarium staff and visitors alike, but it's also a huge logistical exercise.

None of the sea creatures can be released into the wild, so new homes are needed for;  2000 fish, 500 invertebrates such as octopus and sea urchins, 19 little penguins, 11 reptiles and over a hundred sharks and rays. 

Options include other aquariums owned by the company, including ones in Queensland, Victoria and Darling Harbour. Some of the little penguins may even be rehomed in the UK. 

Life's been a beach, upstairs at Penguin Cove.

​What comes next depends partly on the RMS, which owns the site.

What memories do you have of visiting the Manly aquarium?