Source of everyday products such as rubber, coffee and (chocolate!); Important source of medicinal products (4/5 medicines), and potential source for undiscovered The Graham Amazon Gallery (opened 1987) Why a rainforest exhibit at the Aquarium? The Aquarium has been presenting animals from the Amazon (reptiles and fish) for a long time. Because there is such a strong interdependence between the aquatic and terrestrial animals and plants in this ecosystem, it only made sense to show both habitats, so that visitors can enjoy and appreciate the bigger picture. Temperature is maintained at 27 degrees by day and 22 degrees at night. Spray misters keep humidity at 75 - 80%. Lights are turned on and off gradually to simulate dawn and dusk. Free Range Concept: Fun because Can see live plants and animals without a glass in between, and Always changing. Challenging place because the animals move! That’s why good to come early for a look: more enjoyable and exciting for students. Most animals have favourite spots. Familiarize yourself with the way this habitat is built, from the floor to the ceiling. Look at the different layers of vegetation: at the shapes of the leaves, the root systems if you can see it, the flowers and fruits, if any. Then listen and look for animals you can find (on or close to: plants, water, ground, and ceiling). Try to identify the animals (search for the info panels). Try to observe them a little while: what are they doing? Where do the animals in the exhibits come from? Purchased from local tropical fish dealers (who bred them); Obtained from conservation-oriented groups; Many are bred at the Aquarium, or at other aquariums and Donations from hobbyists (fishes). Station Background Information Some things to be mindful of: are a lot of props in each box – you do not need to refer to/use all of them! Definitely let the students guide you here... if they are more interested in the live animals and habitats then focus on these, and use props to augment your teaching where appropriate. Do connect with their prior knowledge.
Return it to its home in the critter corner cart. Ensure the door and latch of the habitat are firmly closed. Record on the sign out sheet your name, date, animals handled, and comments regarding the animals behaviour or anything unusual that happened during the handling session. Wash your hands with isagel. You can properly wash your hands in the washroom as well. HERPTILES (box on cart) Props: Crocodile Skin Shoe Snakeskin Shoe Snake Shed Pieces Boa Skin Stuffed Caiman Gecko Fan Anaconda Skull Tortoise Shell Baby Anaconda Iguana Skull Stuffed Cane Toad Anaconda Rope Length & Skin Poison Dart Holder Iguana Jaw Poison Arrow Frog Tortoise Egg Laminated Snakeskin X2 Variety of Plastic Frogs and Snake Key Topics: What is a herptile? Amphibians and Reptiles. What them a ____? Diversity and adaptations to fill a variety of niches Roles they play in the ecosystem Conservation issues Discuss: What’s the difference between a crocodile and an alligator? Where do caimans fit in? (See Aqua Facts: Crocodilians in your volunteer folder or online) Think: Counter shading of caiman skin. How does this help them to survive? Look & Discuss: Shoe and Caiman skin while looking at live caimans - Illegal poaching is their biggest threat, skin is used to make shoes amongst other things. Some countries have ranching programs to farm caimans. Do: Stretch out anaconda skin to see how big it is! Feel: shed pieces