Amazonia was built in two phases. The Giant Amazon Rainforest complete with massive tanks that can be view from the ground floor like humongous aquariums, and from the second level as a river flowing through a jungle completely with a waterfall, lush flora and free-flying birds. Over the years, both three-towed sloths and Bolivian Titi Monkeys have been kept there. A couple of years ago, the aging sloth lost its grip and fell. Fortunately, she was not injured, but since that happened, they've not let primates or other arboreal mammals loose within the space. This section opened in 1992.
In 1996, the edition that includes a model of an amphibian research and breeding lab, along with some fascinating related artifacts from the Smithsonian's unparalleled collection of stuff. There's even an alcove area featuring large aquariums dedicated to rare and endangered species of Sea Coral. The overall design gives you a feeling that you are a guest at some "Fazenda suntuosa" where gentle ceiling fans spin and high ceilings keep you cool from tropical heat and humidity outside.
As I approached the entrance, I noticed a couple I had spoken to a few moments before looking hesitant, and half a dozen or so others mingling as if waiting for something to happen. I wondered whether or not the facility was open. A dapper older man was sitting on a bench closest to me. I smiled and approached him. When I start to talk he raised his shoulders and turned his hands fingers extended and palms up and said, "I no language." while gentle shaking his head back and forth. Now I don't know if my Spanish is shit or not, but for some reason I am just trusting what little I know in situations like this.
I said, "Lo siento, Senor. Es esta edificio abierto?"
His eyes lit up and he replied, "Si, si, si..."
I replied, "Muchas gracias, mi amigo."
Then I approached the couple I had previously spoken to (Kim and Theresa Mary) who looked confused and said, "It's open. We can go in." And we did.
The very first thing you encounter is a pool full of Amazon River Manta Rays with giant trees covered in jungle flora rising up and out of sight into another cavernous level. Besides the River Rays there are often birds, including the resident Roseate Spoonbill who is quite the Diva!
These gentle animals have this uncanny "smiley face" mouth and nostrils which you can see when they swim up and press themselves against the glass while foraging for algae.
Proceeding and you enter a world full of fresh water river behemoths.
Also some usual suspects like this school of Red-bellied Piranhas.
There are also plenty of mid-size fish like this adolescent Turquoise Severum, over-swimming a school of Silver Dollars.
Or this Banded Leporinus enjoying a brunch of romaine lettuce! Who knew?
And if you don't know, don't worry. Just consult the beautifully illustrated images of the fish.
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