The extraordinary behind-the-scenes mission to rehome hundreds of marine creatures - from sharks to reef fish and living corals - has been hailed as one of the biggest living coral reef aquarium relocations in the world.
- The massive logistical operation to relocate Townsville's Great Barrier Reef Aquarium and the ongoing care for the animals has been revealed as part of the $180m redevelopment of the facility, due to reopen in 2029.
Opened in 1987, the 2.5 million-litre Aquarium (formerly Reef HQ) was the world's largest living coral reef exhibit, bringing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef to people of all ages and abilities.
Staff launched the modern-day Noah's Ark uplift - safely relocating all the animals in its care from sharks, sea snakes and crocodiles to the tiniest coral polyps - after doors closed for the once-in-a-generation transformation in February 2021.
The Aquarium's renowned Coral Reef Exhibit - home to hundreds of tropical corals and fish - underwent a careful uplift to purpose-built facilities at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).
Over three months, more than 5.5 tonnes of reef rock, sand, delicate corals and fish were moved to AIMS' state-of-the-art National Sea Simulator at Cape Cleveland, 50km south of Townsville, where they will remain under the daily care of Aquarium staff until the reopening.
It took months of conditioning fish to voluntarily enter a sea cage, gradual acclimation to their new environments, and round-the-clock monitoring to reduce stress.
One of the most challenging feats was the relocation of sharks from the Predator Tank, including a Tawny Nurse Shark, affectionately known as Snuggles, to a new home at Sea World on the Gold Coast.
Specialist sea cages, cranes, three separate trips in temperature-controlled trucks, and expert veterinary oversight helped the sea creatures arrive safe and sound after an epic 1400km road trip.
Other star Aquarium residents such as Sadie, a Longnose Butterflyfish, and her tank mates including Yellow Surgeonfish, Clown Coris, Humpnose Unicornfish, and Lined Rabbitfish have now settled into their temporary reef home at AIMS.
From rehoming snakes and crocodiles to partner sanctuaries like Billabong Sanctuary, to the intricate care of pelagic fish and reef corals, every move was tailored to the needs of each species.
The project involved specialist aquarists, marine biologists, divers, and animal welfare experts working side-by-side.
- "This was an unprecedented operation that reflects the dedication, precision, and teamwork needed to protect one of the world's most spectacular living collections," Fred Nucifora, General Manager Major Projects at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority said.
"It's been a huge logistical effort, easily one of the biggest and most complex of its kind," he said.
"This complex relocation was about more than moving animals - it was about preserving the heart of the Aquarium as we progress to reopen a world-class facility in 2029 to continue to tell the story of the Reef and educate visitors for years to come."
With the animals safe in their temporary homes, planning is now underway for a new generation of immersive exhibits ahead of the Aquarium's grand reopening in 2029.
The revamped Aquarium will combine cutting-edge marine science, conservation storytelling, and interactive experiences, reaffirming its place as Australia's National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef.
For stills/vision and interviews download here .
For updates, visit: www.greatbarrierreefaquarium.au
