After 50 years, the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary is closing down for good.

The family favourite tourism attraction will close on Sunday, January 28th due to increasing maintenance costs.

Aquarium spokesman Rob Townsend talks to Steve Price about why they’re closing and the incredible logistics of moving all of the animals.

“It comes down to the structure of the building. Big concrete and steel building not just built by the harbour, but in the harbour, unfortunately with not a lot of foresight.

“The structure now is sort of betraying us and not economically viable to keep it operating.

As for how you move thousands of live animals…

“It is really hard, not like transporting mammals and birds that can breathe air. Obviously we need to consider all kinds of water quality parameters.

“We’ve got some custom built, essentially mobile aquariums with all the filtration and life support system.”

Click PLAY below for the full interview