Sea World has opened a new and innovative marine animal exhibit presenting the plight of the placid and endearing dugong.

Dugong Discovery is filled with fun interactive elements and features a naturalistic oceanarium replicating Moreton Bay housing ‘PIG’, Sea World’s resident dugong, turtles, stingrays, fish and other marine life found in South East Queensland waters.

Dugong Discovery takes you and your family on an emotive and educational journey into the world of the dugong, a beautiful marine creature whose numbers are declining at a rapid rate.

The spectacular new exhibit tells ‘PIG’s’ compelling story, aiming to raise public interest and promote conservation of this critically endangered species.

For the first time ever, Sea World guests are able to see ‘PIG’ up close and personal through the large 11 metre x 2.4 metre underwater viewing window of the Oceanarium.

Sea World Director of Marine Sciences, Trevor Long says, “Dugong Discovery has an indigenous theme and includes a fun interactive learning centre for children aged 4 – 14 years, so they can better understand these unique and amazing creatures.”

“Dugong Discovery will help us educate the public on various human behaviours that affect dugong populations such as responsible boating practices and the appropriate discard of litter.”

This exhibit supports the Queensland Premier's recent launch of Dugong Awareness Week that carries the message "Watch Out! There’s a Dugong about".

‘PIG’ will continue to be an ambassador for dugong in the wild by playing a vital role in research, allowing for a greater understanding of growth rates, patterns and hand-raising techniques for stranded animals, which will ultimately benefit conservation of the species as a whole.

Website: http://www.seaworld.com.au/