The second orb in the complex is based on the flora and fauna of the Amazonian Rainforest. Larger than the first orb it has a diameter of 625 meters and a height of 137 meters. The central feature is an observation/education station 96 x 134 meters, from the inside the two story structure appears to visitors like a an enormous river boat. placed upon a camouflaged "rock" mound the interior contains research and office space for the scientific, education and conservation staff.
Three waterfalls bring the aquatic areas of the biome to life and like all biomes are based on actual falls found in the region.
The vegetation is lush and the main river area would look similar to this image from a tributary of the Amazon.
Although designed to be a natural arena, a set of three tiered stone structures have been included to in two cases shield the massive columns that support the monumental central copula. These mounds are overgrown with vegetation and contain hollowed tree trunk features designed to attract toucans.
The location of the Amazonia Biome Sphere is in the far western section of the Zoo, just south of the Down Under Biome Sphere and west of the North American Prairie/Rocky Mountain Biomes. There are four associated Study Centers: 1) The Center for the Study of Amazonian Insects, 2) The Center for the Study and Conservation of the Amazon Manatee, 3) The Center for the Study Medicinal Plants and Animals of the Amazon, and 4) The Center for the Study and Conservation of the Amphibians of the Central and South American Tropics. Each center is open to the public and offers displays, interactive exhibits, multi-media offerings and lectures.
The second orb in the complex is based on the flora and fauna of the Amazonian Rainforest. Larger than the first orb it has a diameter of 625 meters and a height of 137 meters. The central feature is an observation/education station 96 x 134 meters, from the inside the two story structure appears to visitors like a an enormous river boat. placed upon a camouflaged "rock" mound the interior contains research and office space for the scientific, education and conservation staff.
Three waterfalls bring the aquatic areas of the biome to life and like all biomes are based on actual falls found in the region.
The vegetation is lush and the main river area would look similar to this image from a tributary of the Amazon.
Although designed to be a natural arena, a set of three tiered stone structures have been included to in two cases shield the massive columns that support the monumental central copula. These mounds are overgrown with vegetation and contain hollowed tree trunk features designed to attract toucans.
The location of the Amazonia Biome Sphere is in the far western section of the Zoo, just south of the Down Under Biome Sphere and west of the North American Prairie/Rocky Mountain Biomes. There are four associated Study Centers: 1) The Center for the Study of Amazonian Insects, 2) The Center for the Study and Conservation of the Amazon Manatee, 3) The Center for the Study Medicinal Plants and Animals of the Amazon, and 4) The Center for the Study and Conservation of the Amphibians of the Central and South American Tropics. Each center is open to the public and offers displays, interactive exhibits, multi-media offerings and lectures.
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