Knysna Seahorses Return To The Spotlight

They're tiny, magical, and back in the spotlight-Knysna's beloved seahorses have made their long-awaited return to public display, and locals couldn't be more excited, Cape town Etc reports.

For the first time in years, the SANParks offices on Thesen Island are once again home to a small population of Knysna seahorses, South Africa's most elusive aquatic residents. These pint-sized marine marvels are not only endemic to the Garden Route, but they're also the only seahorses in the world that rely solely on estuarine environments to survive.

Found naturally in just three estuaries on the planet-Knysna, Swartvlei, and Keurbooms-these rare creatures are now part of a renewed educational exhibit designed to raise awareness and spark public interest in marine conservation.

'This is a major moment for marine education in the region,' said SANParks spokesperson JP Louw. 'We're thrilled to be one of the few facilities authorised to display these iconic animals. It's about giving people a chance to see something truly special-and to understand how delicate their existence really is.'

Knysna seahorses, or Hippocampus capensis, have fascinated biologists for years not only for their limited distribution but also for their biology: in a rare role reversal, it's the male seahorses that carry and give birth to their offspring. These captivating creatures are known for clinging to underwater vegetation with their tails and blending in with their surroundings using their ever-changing colours.