Mangrove Swamp
Britain's first major mangrove swamp exhibit, opened July 2009.
via Wikipedia: Living Coasts · see source
Living Coasts featured a mangrove swamp exhibit called Mangroves: The Roots of the Sea, which opened in July 2009. It was Britain's first major exhibit themed on a mangrove swamp habitat and featured large aquarium tanks containing over 20 species, including three types of sting ray.
- Type
- Habitat Configuration
- Biome Association
- Tropical Rainforest
- Key Species
- Proboscis Monkey, Saltwater Crocodile
- Water Feature Required
- Yes (Shallow/Large)
- Conservation Focus
- Coastal Ecosystems
Lore & Background
Mangroves: The Roots of the Sea opened at Living Coasts in July 2009, becoming Britain's first major exhibit themed on a mangrove swamp habitat. The exhibit featured large aquarium tanks containing over 20 species, including three types of sting ray. This exhibit was part of the coastal zoo's commitment to showcasing coastal wildlife and habitats, complementing the site's covered giant aviary and other enclosures such as the artificial tidal estuary, penguin beach, and underwater viewing areas. The zoo was owned by South West Environmental Parks as part of the Wild Planet Trust and was a registered charity based around seabirds and other coastal wildlife.
In Their Own Story
In July 2009, Living Coasts opened Mangroves: The Roots of the Sea, Britain's first major exhibit themed on a mangrove swamp habitat. Visitors could view large aquarium tanks teeming with over 20 species, including three types of sting ray gliding through the water. The exhibit brought the tangled roots and brackish waters of a tropical mangrove swamp to the Devon coast, offering an immersive experience that highlighted the biodiversity of these critical coastal ecosystems.
Reader's Guide
When visiting Living Coasts, the Mangroves: The Roots of the Sea exhibit was a key attraction within the coastal zoo. Opened in July 2009, it featured large aquarium tanks with a total capacity of 1,214 cubic metres (321,000 US gal) across the aviary's interior. The exhibit showcased over 20 species, including three types of sting ray, and was Britain's first major mangrove swamp-themed display. It complemented other exhibits like the artificial tidal estuary, penguin beach, and underwater viewing areas, all part of the zoo's focus on seabirds and coastal wildlife. The zoo was a member of BIAZA, EAZA, and WAZA, and closed permanently on 16 June 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Did You Know?
- Mangroves: The Roots of the Sea opened in July 2009 as Britain's first major exhibit themed on a mangrove swamp habitat.
- The exhibit featured large aquarium tanks containing over 20 species, including three types of sting ray.
- Living Coasts was built on the site of the former Torquay Marine Spa and opened to the public on 14 July 2003.
- The zoo's aviary was 19 metres (62 ft) at its highest point and had a total volume of 1.8 million cubic feet (51,000 m3).
- Living Coasts was home to the oldest African penguin in the UK, named Pat, before he was euthanized in 2015 at the age of 37.
Frequently Asked Questions
What biome is the Mangrove Swamp setting linked to?
In Planet Zoo, this habitat configuration is officially associated with the Tropical Rainforest biome. Players must ensure environmental conditions match this classification for animal happiness.
Which animals are considered key species for this swamp?
The Proboscis Monkey and Saltwater Crocodile are identified as the primary inhabitants for this ecosystem. Keeping these species together helps maximize conservation value within the game.
Do I need to build water features here?
Yes, a shallow or large water feature is strictly required to complete the habitat configuration. Without sufficient water coverage, the mangrove environment cannot be properly established.
What conservation goal does this setting support?
This exhibit focuses on preserving coastal ecosystems and their unique biodiversity through game mechanics. Maintaining these areas contributes to broader in-game conservation efforts regarding wetlands.
Is there real-world history behind this exhibit design?
The concept mirrors Britain's first major mangrove swamp exhibit, which opened at Living Coasts in July 2009. This historical inspiration emphasizes the educational value of coastal habitats.
More in World & Setting
Elsewhere in the Planet Zoo universe
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