Goal for the sea creatures!

Berlin, June 18, 2024 - Things were going wild at SEA LIFE Berlin today as rays, sharks and gurnards invited people to the big European Championship ball test. Under the curious eyes of numerous onlookers, the balls from the last two European Football Championships as well as the current ball from the home European Championship in Germany were put through their paces.

But before the ball test could start, the rays, sharks & co. went to training camp. “There is no success without training,” says Martin Hansel, head aquarist at SEA LIFE Berlin. And the training sessions seem to have been worth it! Maybe it was also the EM balls, because they had something special: peppered with delicious delicacies such as shrimps, anchovies, squid and other delicacies, they were a real culinary delight for our underwater friends.

The visitors watched with excitement as the sea creatures made their choice - and the result was clear! The home European Championship ball from Germany proved to be the undisputed favorite. All sea creatures rushed to the home European Championship ball first, a clear sign of the quality of German design. One thing is certain: at least our boys have the best ball on their fins, sorry on their feet!

Chief aquarist Martin Hansel explains: “Our EM ball test was not only a fun activity for the European Football Championship, but also an important part of our enrichment project. Enrichment means that we offer our animals varied and stimulating tasks that stimulate their natural instincts and ensure mental and physical activity. By hiding food in the EM balls, we encouraged the animals to display their natural hunting and exploring behaviors. This increases their well-being and ensures species-appropriate husbandry.”

The ball test was also not a one-day ray: “For our animals, the whole thing is a game and they need the activity more often. “We will therefore carry out the campaign on all match days of the German national team and perhaps even beyond,” says marketing manager Daphne Geldermann. “With such a motivating response, we look forward to the further developments of the European Football Championship and wish the German team much success – may the ball always be on their side!”

During the European Championship there are lots of great experiences for the whole family at SEA LIFE: The wheel of fortune at the entrance offers fantastic prizes such as free tickets and sweet surprises as well as meet & greets with the mascot Sharky in a football jersey, which will make children's hearts beat faster. Experience the European Championships in a completely new, interactive way - exciting and educational for the whole family!