National Aquarium: Upland Tropical Rain Forest

The Amazon River Forest is the perfect prelude to riding the escalator to the rooftop Upland Tropical Rain Forest. It's another amazing ecosystem with a dozen species of free flying birds, Golden Lion Tamarins, Linne's Two-toed Sloths, Lizards, Turtles, even Tarantulas!

As wonderful as the fauna is, so is the flora.  It's yet another immersive encounter with wildlife.  As this point, I was practically ready to split my skin with all the wonders I had seen.  And there are still amazing things to come.

Notice the cocao pod (origin of chocolate).  A good simulated jungle doesn't show you things, but lets you discover them.

Can you see what I see?

It's the Linne's Two-toed Sloths.  Mother, Ivy and offspring Felize.

Yellow-headed Amazon Parrot

Amazon Turtle enjoying the warmth of a well placed and concealed heat lamp.  Too bad they couldn't disguise the green glow.