Adopt a Reef Creature
A new program at ReefHQ
Adopt a Reef Creature is an exciting new program at ReefHQ Aquarium that hopes to inspire you to learn and care about the creatures that live on the Great Barrier Reef. By providing you with valuable, interesting and relevant information, through a program that is fun, educational, entertaining and suitable for people of all ages, we wish to work with you to create a brighter future for our World Heritage Listed, Great Barrier Reef.The program runs for one year and costs $60. As an adoptive parent your tax deductible donation is helping to feed and care for your adopted ReefHQ animal.
Be the first person in your family, school or work place to adopt your very own reef creature!
Your adoption package includes:
Updates on your adopted animal including:* Updates on your creature's behaviour and antics in the Predator Tank
* Biology and ecology of the species
* Threats to the species
* Conservation information
* How you can help
* Upcoming events
Personalised certificate with a photo
A 15% discount voucher for Reef-In Store and Waterview Cafe
10% discount off ReefHQ membership
Your name added to the display board in Reef HQ
Invitations to special community events such as:
* Free tours of Reef HQ, behind the scenes and the new Turtle Hospital
* Free public presentations
Adopt your own Reef HQ Creature Today!
Torres the Green Turtle
Torres is Reef HQ’s resident marine turtle that was rescued as a one year old and brought to the aquarium for rehabilitation. Torres is now over four years old, growing fast and has become a strong and healthy turtle. Torres is often the star of the Predator Dive Shows as it loves receiving shell scratches and sand massages from the scuba divers. We will not know if Torres is a male or female until it becomes mature – for wild marine turtles, maturity may not occur until the age of 40 years! There are six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles found on the Great Barrier Reef and all are threatened due to threats such as climate change, pollution and rubbish.
Leo the Male Leopard Shark
Leo is Reef HQ’s oldest resident animal and is thought to be over 25 years old! He came to the Aquarium back in 1988 and is one of the staff and volunteers’ favourite creature. Leo is most famous for his behaviour towards Leonie the female leopard shark. He is often seen following Leonie around in the Predator Tank and biting onto her fins. Although the biting may look strange, the behaviour is part of sharks’ lives during mating. The male will bite onto the female to show her how strong he is. The female wants to choose the toughest male so her babies are strong and have a better chance of survival. Shark numbers are decreasing around the world due to unsustainable fishing practices.
Leonie the Female Leopard Shark
Leonie is the mother of the baby sharks that can be seen at Reef HQ. Members of the Aquarium love to hear updates on her progress such as how many eggs she has laid and how many are fertilised. Leopard sharks lay special egg cases called ‘mermaid purses’ to protect the young shark while it is developing inside. The baby sharks usually hatch out of the egg after 4 - 6 months with special care from the Reef HQ aquarist team. The scuba divers check the newly laid eggs to see if they are fertilised by holding them up to the sunlight and looking inside. Captive breeding programs such as this are important to help reduce pressures on wild populations of sharks.
Wally the Humphead Maori Wrasse
Wally is a very curious and inquisitive fish. Humphead Maori wrasse are quite famous on popular dives sites as they seem to enjoy the company of humans. Wally often amuses visitors by staring and following them in the Reef HQ tunnel. He is particularly attracted to people wearing blue or shiny jewellery. Scuba divers are sure to keep a close eye on him as he has a reputation for sucking scuba masks of their faces! Humphead Maori wrasse are teh largest of all the wrasse, growing to over 2 meters in length! These fish are protected on the Great Barrier Reef.
Seanna the Sawfish
Seanna the freshwater sawfish is actually a type of ray and is Australia's largest freshwater species. Seanna arrived at ReefHQ Aquarium in 2003 where she was just 176 cam long. Her saw is called a rostrum and the 'teeth' are actually modified scales which she uses to stun and kill her prey. Seanna is often the star of the ReefHQ Aquarium Predator Feeding Show as she raised her rostrum up into the water column and thrashes it with lightening speed to snare her favourite fish. Freshwater sawfish are a protected species due to threats such as habitat destruction and loss and entanglement in nets.
Would you like to learn more? Would you like updates on your favourite Reef HQ creature? Would you like to learn about the species and their conservation? Would you like to learn how to REALLY make a difference for the future of the Great Barrier Reef? Then this program is for you!
Please email adopt@reefhq.com.au or call Laura Dunstan on +617 (07) 47500754 to discover more and to get involved today!
