- SEA LIFE, Dugong Island
Please note, our Dugong Island zone is temporarily closed while we carry out some planned behind-the-scenes work. As part of these works, Pig the dugong is being carefully relocated to another area of the Aquarium by our expert animal care team and is temporarily out of view. Animal welfare is our highest priority, and Pig continues to receive the highest standards of care every step of the way. Please keep an eye on our website for the latest updates on when Pig will be back on view at the aquarium.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is currently undertaking planned works within the Dugong Island area of the attraction. During this period, Dugong Island is temporarily closed to guests. We thank our guests for their patience and understanding while these works are completed.
The closure is temporary while planned works are carried out. We will provide updates when we have more information to share regarding reopening.
Pig, our resident dugong, is currently being cared for behind the scenes by our expert animal care team. As part of these works, he is being carefully relocated to another area of the aquarium and is temporarily out of view. We understand Pig is a much-loved SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium favourite among many guests. We apologise for any disappointment and appreciate our guests' patience and understanding while he is being relocated.
At this stage, our focus is on supporting Pig's ongoing welfare while planned works at Dugong Island are carried out and we will share any further updates when appropriate. Animal welfare remains our highest priority and Pig continues to receive the same high standard of care, enrichment and monitoring as all animals at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.
To support the planned works taking place within Dugong Island, some animals have been relocated while remaining under the care of our experienced animal care team. Their welfare remains our highest priority and all animals continue to receive a high standard of care, enrichment and monitoring.
Animal welfare is always our highest priority. All animals from this space continue to receive expert care, enrichment and monitoring throughout the duration of the planned works.
Yes. All other areas of SEA LIFE Syndey Aquarium remain open, including the Ocean Tunnels at Shark Valley and Day & Night on the Reef.
Meet Pig
Affectionately named after his eating habits, Pig was rescued from Forrest Beach in North Queensland when he became separated from his mother at a very early age. After a period of rehabilitation, Pig was released into the wild. However, when he was found washed up again a decision was made not to release him again for fears he wouldn't survive. Click here to learn fun facts about dugongs.
Did you know?
This big, gentle mammalian herbivore may not at first glance look much like the mermaids you might have read about in myths and legends. It's thought that the legend of dugongs belonging to the Sirenia (the Greek word for mermaid) originated from delirious sailors who mistook the animals for seductive fishy-tailed females after too long out on the ocean. The common name, dugong, comes from a Malay word meaning 'lady of the sea'. In fact, dugongs are most closely related not to any other sea creature, but to elephants.
Big Appetite
Pig is a BIG eater and feeds almost constantly from 7:30am to 7:00pm every day. In the wild, dugongs eat massive amounts of seagrass, and the closest match to that at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is cos lettuce. Pig adores cos lettuce and eats about 30kg every day. The cos is washed and threaded into specially weighted racks, which sit on the bottom of the dugong display in Dugong Island, enabling Pig to graze as he would in the wild.
What a beautiful home!
Dugongs are found in warm coastal and inland waters of the Western Indo-Pacific region. This reaches from East Africa to Australia, including the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.
Did you know Australia has one of the largest populations of dugongs in the world?
What does Pig eat?
Pig eats a mix of Cos Lettuce and bean sprouts
How much does he weigh?
Pig weighs around 300kg!
Enrichment
Pig has a range of different enrichment toys that he loves to play with. Enrichment is important because it helps exercise his mind and body through play and exploration.
Conservation Status
Dugongs are listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN
Pig and Wuru
In memory of Wuru
We’re heartbroken to announce our beloved rescued dugong Wuru has sadly passed. Following round-the-clock care and support from marine mammal experts and veterinarians, she passed away surrounded by those who loved her dearly. Wuru, with her gentle nature, touched the hearts and minds of not only the team, but also the broader community so we wanted to share this news with you.
Their Story
Both Pig & Wuru were orphaned in the wild in Queensland and were raised from calves to youngsters at Sea World on the Gold Coast. Calling SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium home since late 2008, like all dugongs, Pig and Wuru have needed a lot of looking after. Dugongs are social, friendly animals who not only need to be fed a lot but also enjoy playing games and having their backs scratched. Wuru sadly passed away recently following round-the-clock care and support from marine mammal experts and veterinarians – her gentle nature will be sadly missed.
Top selling dugong toys
