Bayworld PE

27/08/2026

This week we bring you the story of a string instrument that has travelled the world — from Asia and the Middle East to Europe, Africa and South Africa.

It began with bowed instruments from Central Asia, but the modern four-string violin was born in Northern Italy in the 1500s, where Andrea Amati of Cremona shaped its elegant design. It reached the Cape in the years after 1652 and slowly became part of South Africa’s diverse musical heritage, from classical concerts to folk and community music.

This violin, preserved in our Cultural History Section, is more than an instrument, It is a link between craftsmanship, music and hundreds of years of cultural exchange.

26/08/2026

🐋 A heartbreaking dwarf s***m whale stranding near Jeffreys Bay

On the morning of 13th of August, a young whale was reported stranded alive at Kabeljous near Jeffreys Bay.

The local NSRI Station 37, first responders on behalf of Bayworld, sent through photographs and videos. Although initially reported as a dolphin, Bayworld staff identified the animal as a dwarf s***m whale.

The young whale was stabilised on the beach while Bayworld biologists and veterinary staff from Oribi Animal Clinic assessed its condition. Unfortunately, it had injuries to its lower jaw and was very young, likely still dependent on its mother. The whale was reported to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), who gave for it to be euthanised to prevent further suffering.

Dr Sibu Ngqulana and Mfundo Kanana from Bayworld conducted a necropsy.

But the story became even more heartbreaking.

NSRI Station 37 was notified of another dwarf s***m whale stranded a few kilometres further along the coast towards the Gamtoos River Mouth. This time, they found a much larger animal that was already deceased.

The second animal was an adult female, and given the timing and proximity of the two strandings, it is highly likely that she was the mother of the calf.

During her necropsy, she was also found to be pregnant.

Interestingly, adult female dwarf and pygmy s***m whales can be pregnant and lactating at the same time. A similar situation was documented following a mother-and-calf stranding in Mossel Bay earlier this year.

Dwarf s***m whales are a relatively little-studied species, which makes strandings like these incredibly valuable from a research perspective. The Bayworld team was able to collect important samples and record valuable biological data during the necropsies, adding to the research collection and helping us learn more about this elusive species.

While the outcome of these strandings was incredibly sad, the information collected from these animals will hopefully help us better understand their biology, ecology and the challenges they face in our waters.

A huge thank you to NSRI Station 37, Oribi Animal Clinic and DFFE, as well as everyone involved in the Bayworld response, assessment, necropsies and collection of scientific samples.

Even in the saddest strandings, there is still something we can learn. 🐋💙

26/08/2026

Celebrating 28 Years of Dedication: Ms Mariette Pressly

Today, we shine the spotlight on an extraordinary woman whose dedication, compassion and love for our animals have become an integral part of the Bayworld story — Ms Mariette Pressly.

For an incredible 28 years, Mariette has faithfully served at Bayworld, working closely with our live animals and dedicating herself to their wellbeing, care and protection. Her work is more than a responsibility; it is a calling rooted in compassion, patience and an unwavering commitment to the animals entrusted to her care.

Every day, she contributes to the important work of the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture, helping uphold our responsibility to care for, conserve and protect our natural heritage.

Today, we celebrate the woman behind the work — her resilience, her passion, her kindness and the remarkable legacy she continues to build.

28 years of service. 28 years of dedication. 28 years of making a difference.

Mariette, we thank you for giving so much of yourself to Bayworld and to the animals you care for so deeply. Your contribution matters, your work is valued, and your legacy is truly appreciated.

Here’s to celebrating you and the incredible woman that you are!

WomenWhoInspire DSRAC AnimalCare Conservation HerLegacy

25/08/2026

It’s Turtle Tuesday 🐢

A little Turtle Tuesday magic to brighten your day!🤞🏼✨️

Sometimes all you need is a handful of turtles to make everything feel a little better. 🤭🌊

See you next week for another Turtle Tuesday update! 💚

# GoodVibesOnly

22/08/2026

CELEBRATING THE WOMEN OF BAYWORLD

This week, we are shining the spotlight on Ms Carlene Du Randt, our dedicated Human Resources Administrator, who has proudly served Bayworld for over 25 years.

For more than two decades, Carlene has demonstrated exceptional commitment, professionalism and dedication to the people who make Bayworld what it is.

Her contribution to our organisation has been invaluable, and she continues to play an important role in fostering a supportive, people-centred workplace.

Her journey is a beautiful reminder that true impact is not only measured by the years we serve, but by the difference we make along the way.

Today, we celebrate Carlene for her unwavering dedication, her excellence and the positive influence she has had on countless colleagues throughout the years.

Thank you, Ms Carlene Du Randt, for over 25 years of service, commitment and excellence. We celebrate you!

21/08/2026

On the 18th of August 2026, Cultural History team joined unsung heroes and heroines, community members and other stakeholders at the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising commemorative event hosted by the Amaqhawe Ethu Foundation in honour of Nomvume Mnyazi, a young victim of the 1976 Student Uprising who was tragically shot in New Brighton in 18 August 1976.

The moving event brought together eyewitnesses who shared personal accounts of the uprising, and family members who reflected on the lasting pain of their loss.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Barney Pityana, who spoke on language and Cultural imperialism implying that colonialism was fostered through the imposition of foreign languages.

Bayworld was honoured to be part of this important moment of remembrance and celebration of Unsung heroes of the struggle against oppression.

20/08/2026

18/08/2026

It’s Turtle Tuesday 🐢

A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to Shake Your T**h for Turtles!💙

After 7 hours, 27,769 steps and 22.2 km of dancing, your incredible support raised enough to get a heat pump for NikNak’s new pool!🌊♨️

NikNak is recovering well and loving her bigger home and thanks to you, she’ll be keeping warm and cosy.❤️‍🩹

Thank you to the amazing Profiles Step Sisters and our wonderful line dancing community for dancing with purpose and making a real difference for our turtles!👣

See you next week for another Turtle Tuesday update! 💚

**hForTurtles

17/08/2026

This Women’s Month, we celebrate the remarkable women who continue to challenge expectations, break barriers and fearlessly pursue what sets their souls on fire.

Meet Yonela Mahanjana, our incredible Snake Handler.

Working with snakes requires more than skill — it requires courage, confidence, patience and an unwavering respect for nature. Yonela reminds us that being brave doesn’t mean you are never afraid; it means you refuse to let fear decide what you are capable of.

There is something profoundly powerful about a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it — unapologetically, courageously and with purpose.

This Women’s Month, we celebrate Yonela and every woman who dares to step beyond the boundaries others have placed around her. May you continue to take up space, chase your dreams and become everything you were created to be.

Brave women don’t wait for permission. They make their own path.

Bayworld EasternCape SheIsPowerful WomenWhoInspire