TYLER, TX (EAST TEXAS NEWS) – The habitats sit empty, lacking vegetation or water. There are no sounds or smells you’d expect at a zoo, but that won’t be the case for long. Caldwell Zoo’s exhibit “Amazon River’s Edge” will open to the public in the coming weeks.
At the heart of the exhibits lies the zoo’s mission and purpose: conservation efforts.
“We want people to learn and, therefore, to value the animals, and that together, as a community, we can work to ensure that all of these species continue to exist for generations to come,” says the zoo’s marketing director, Paul Swen.
At the zoo, two endangered tamarin species will be cared for. The hope is that they can breed in a safe environment.
Other animals in the exhibit include giant river otters, toucans, a sloth, giant anteaters, a jaguar, and dozens of native Amazonian bird species.
“So that people can come in and see how well taken care of these animals are and how attractive they are, they’ll be able to get close to them,” Swen said, “some of the world’s most charismatic animals, period.”
The construction of the new exhibit cost more than $15 million. It covers roughly seven hectares (about 17 acres).
Before presenting them to the public, the animals will be acclimated to their habitats, Swen explains.
