Whale and dolphin conservation work through our OCEANS OF AFRICA programme

AWARENESS DISPLAYS

WINDOWS ON THE OCEAN EXHIBITIONS
In 2003 this innovative cetacean conservation exhibition was launched by Jonathan Oppenheimer and Horst Kleinschmidt at a wonderful function in the Two Oceans Aquarium. Consisting of 34 original paintings by Noel and 12 handcrafted species panels by Noel and Belinda, the exhibition became a well-known conservation initiative, reminding people of our shared place on earth.

This display was also sponsored by IFAW for a four-month period in the Whale Museum, Hermanus.

More about the Windows on the Oceans Exhibition

CETACEAN SPECIES PANELS
The Oceans of Africa species panels are unique handcrafted scientific artworks that synthesize science and art and take the audience below the ocean surface and into the complex world of southern Africa’s cetaceans.

A series of twelve species panels are on permanent display in the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.

Find out more about the Cetacean Species Panels

BENGUELA DOLPHIN PROJECT
The cold waters of the Benguela Current ecosystem on South Africa’s west coast are home to a wide range of dolphin species. The Benguela Dolphin Boards and the Benguela Dolphins Field Guide were sponsored by Namdeb and are hosted in the National Aquarium in Swakopmund, Namibia.

Find out more about the Benguela Dolphin Project

OCEAN ENCOUNTERS DISPLAY
Ocean Encounters is a unique visual display that explores the world of whales and dolphins, with the intention of awakening in the viewer a fascination for the marine mammals of our blue planet. Comprising twelve evocative visual panels, this display is an ideal cetacean awareness exhibit for aquariums.

Find out more about the Ocean Encounters Display

SPREADING THE MESSAGE

THE WHALE SHOW
This inspirational Audio-Visual presentation, narrated by John Webb and with evocative images and original script by Noel, was sponsored by IFAW and is shown daily in the Whale Museum in Hermanus. Now into its third year, the Whale Show is a well-known tourism drawcard in Hermanus.
The Whale Show is also shown daily in the Whale Well of the Iziko South African Museum in Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town.

Please contact us if you would like to find out about hosting the Whale Show in your aquarium or natural history institution.

More information on The Whale Show
Click here if you would like to Host the Whale Show

THE IFAW WHALE WALK
In 2006 the IFAW Whale Walk was launched by Mayor Theo Beyleveldt at a ceremony in Hermanus. These well-known information boards give a broad overview of whale species diversity, behaviour and conservation and are positioned along the cliff path in Hermanus.

More information on the IFAW Whale Walk Boards
Click here to Purchase an IFAW Whale Walk Board

THE BENGUELA BOARDS
The Benguela Current ecosystem is home to a diverse range of cetaceans. The Benguela Boards focus on the more frequently-sighted species and are distributed all along the West Coast, from the Blouberg Conservation Area, to the West Coast National Park, and Strandfontein at the mouth of the Olifants River.

More information on the Benguela Boards
Click here to Purchase a Benguela Board

GREAT WHITE SHARK CONSERVATION
A series of Great White Shark information boards were created for the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. Covering great white shark conservation, ecology and behaviour, these boards are on display at the Great White House in Kleinbaai.

More information on the Great White Shark Boards
Click here to Purchase a Great White Shark Board

OUR MISSION

Through Oceans of Africa we work to inspire a greater awareness and appreciation of whales and dolphiins and their fragile marine habitats.

“When I started painting cetaceans many years ago I never realised that one day I would be able to use my art as a conservation tool, and that by taking people below the surface and bringing them face to face with say the great Blue Whale, or engaging them to spend quiet moments with dolphins, it would evoke a strong emotional response, some kind of a deep knowing with an echo at the very core of our existence.”

PROGRAMME SPONSORS

Two Oceans Aquarium
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
The De Beers Group
Namdeb
De Beers Marine SA
Centre for Dolphin Studies
Sanlam
City of Cape Town
WWF-SA
The WILD Foundation, US

SUPPORT

“We need people like Noel and Belinda Ashton to bring our attention to these important issues.”
Archbishop Tutu at the launch of Sacred Ocean

“Over the past few years, it has been IFAW’s privilege and pleasure to work closely with Noel and Belinda Ashton, and to share our joint vision to ensure the ongoing protection of marine mammals in South African coastal waters and further afield.”
Jason Bell-Leask, Director, IFAW Southern Africa

“We believe that Noel and Belinda Ashton’s exhibition will lead to a more profound appreciation of the magnificence of the oceans and hopefully instil a more caring attitude towards this realm.”
Dr Patrick A. Garratt, MD, Two Oceans Aquarium

“It is my wish that people around the world see this exhibition.”
Horst Kleinschmidt, Director, Marine & Coastal Manage-ment, South African Government

“De Beers Marine is a proud sponsor of this unique exhibition aimed at creating awareness of the diversity of our whale and dolphin species and an understanding of the complexities of the ocean environment.”
Paul Dixon-Savage, General Manager, De Beers Marine

OUR THANKS

Over the years we have received incredible support for our work from so many people. We would like to thank in particular -

Dr Pat Garratt and Helen Lockhart of the Two Oceans Aquarium, who share our passion for whales and their right to live in peace in the oceans

Sarah Campbell-Pitt who has given so much of her time, energy and expertise in support of our ongoing conservation work

Horst Kleinschmidt for his much-valued input and support over the years

Wilfred Chivell of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust who has supported our work from the start

Christina Pretorius and Jason Bell-Leask of IFAW with whom we have collaborated on many projects to raise awareness around whales

Lesley Roos of De Beers Marine who has supported a range of initiatives over the years

Ian Trethowan for his much-valued insight and support

Nick Chevallier for being a great friend and superb film maker