Two Oceans Aquarium bid farewell to their resident happy feet, Bubbles the rockhopper penguin.
Cape Town, South Africa (01 September 2025) – For two decades, visitors at the Two Oceans Aquarium knew there was one penguin who really stole the show. His name was Bubbles. A little rockhopper with wild yellow eyebrows, a cheeky hop, and a spunky personality that made him famous.
This week, the aquarium sadly said goodbye to Bubbles, remembering him for the joy and smiles he brought. He lived a long and happy life and passed away from old age. Under care, he lived far beyond the lifespan of a wild penguin.
Unlike the African penguins we see along Boulders Beach and the Cape coastline, rockhoppers are native to islands in the southern Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
Bubbles, along with the other resident rockhopper penguins in the aquarium, were found stranded on southern Cape beaches and rehabilitated by SANCOB before being donated to the aquarium. Unfortunately, they couldn’t be released because of the risk of introducing diseases into wild populations. So, they found a home there.
Bubbles was a favourite amongst his crew and a reason for many return visits at the aquarium. Many of his fans first met him as babies, and now they’re all grown up.
Hundreds of people have fond memories of the little ‘rocky’ but Two Oceans’ Senior Animal Keeper, Shanet Rutgers, feels the loss even more. He was the first bird to greet her in the mornings before the aquarium doors even opened.
“The random penguin calls you do in the mornings whilst we clean the beach, the ‘pick me up mom’ stares you give when taking you for a swim to the Kelp exhibit will be missed. Not to mention shaking squid juices all over my face. These are the memories I will cherish. These are the moments you shared with me and allowed me to share you with all our visitors, volunteers and schools. I will miss you forever my sweet little rocky. Rest gently and swim freely,” she wrote.
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Bubbles was a solid companion, an educator, and a reminder that animals have unique characters worth knowing and fiercely protecting.
“He wasn’t just a part of our exhibit; he was a star, a companion, and a symbol of the joy that animals bring into our lives,” wrote his Two Oceans family.
“Bubbles, thank you for the memories, the smiles, and the magic. You will always have a place in our hearts and in the story of our Aquarium.”
Swim on, Bubbles. You gave Cape Town 19 years of love and hops that nobody could ever forget.
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