Swampland

                                                                                                                  

Imperiled wetlands have been in the spotlight recently, with catastrophic events such as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and Hurricane Katrina compromising the integrity of these biologically diverse ecosystems. As scientists look for ways to mitigate the damage of these events, the significance of wetlands to the health of our planet is becoming more evident. The Aquarium hopes that Swampland will inspire awe and understanding of wetlands, highlighting three different types of swamps and the animals that live in them.

The swamps featured include South American swamps of the Pantanal, a mangrove swamp and a cypress swamp. Swampland focuses on the role of animals in these ecosystems, using a narrative style of interpretation within a storybook format that tells a fascinating tale. An elaborate immersive experience, Swampland reveals swamps as complex ecosystems providing essential habitat for wildlife performing important functions that benefit all living things. The exhibit demonstrates how swamps act as a natural filter, enhancing water quality and absorbing water to help reduce flooding and erosion.

Creatures that live in swamps include reptiles, amphibians, fishes, birds and mammals. A 6 foot alligator and a 12 foot anaconda are among the inhabitants of Swampland. Not a known man-eater, the anaconda is a snake that could have the potential to be dangerous. Feeding the anaconda, the largest species of snake, requires two people and a specific feeding protocol, due to its enormous size and strength. Other animals in Swampland include piranhas, red tail boas, a large alligator snapping turtle, and tropical fish that use mangrove roots as nurseries.