A new South African Whale Centre is planned for the heart of Hermanus, the whale capital of South Africa.
The town will house the Whale Unit of the University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) Mammal Research Institute (MRI).
The board of trustees of the Old Harbour Museum, in partnership with a dedicated project-development team and the UP MRI Whale Unit, recently announced plans to redevelop the Whale House Museum into the cutting-edge South African Whale Centre (SAWC). This state-of-the-art facility is set to become a global beacon for marine conservation and education.
The UP MRI Whale Unit, which was previously hosted in an off-campus field station of the MRI in Main Road, Hermanus will form part of the SAWC on completion.
The centre will also feature groundbreaking technology, including a 3D immersive dome experience, interactive exhibits and augmented reality displays that will vividly illustrate whale behaviour and migration. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage in virtual whale encounters and explore the fascinating world of whale song, fostering a deeper appreciation for these majestic creatures.
In addition to its educational offerings, the centre will function as a hub for international whale research. Its partnership with the UP MRI Whale Unit will ensure the SAWC remains at the forefront of scientific advancements, maximising its educational outreach with the latest research findings.
“The University of Pretoria has been a cornerstone of whale research in Hermanus for many years,” Dr Els Vermeulen, head of the UP MRI Whale Unit, pointed out, “and our partnership with the SAWC represents a significant step forward in our shared commitment to marine conservation. This new centre will not only provide a world-class platform for research, but also offer unparalleled educational opportunities, inspiring future generations of marine scientists and conservationists. We are excited to continue our long-standing collaboration and contribute our expertise to the SAWC, ensuring its success as a leading centre for whale research and education.”
Grahame Lindop, Conceptualisation Lead at the SAWC, said: “Our mission is to create a world-class facility that not only showcases the beauty of whales, but also educates the public on marine conservation. We believe in the power of community, collaboration and legacy to drive awareness and conservation efforts.”
The project enjoys valuable support from the provincial departments of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and Finance and Economic Opportunities, which recognise the centre’s potential to boost tourism and economic growth in the region. With the relevant stakeholders on board the focus will shift to fundraising efforts to bring the project to fruition.
The South African Whale Centre team said it will focus on creating a world-class Whale Science and Education Centre in Hermanus, with the goal of inspiring every visitor to protect the oceans through education, conservation projects and community engagement.
