TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Excitement surrounds the Caldwell Zoo this spring in anticipation of the opening of the “Amazon River’s Edge.” In an exclusive interview, KETK was able to go in and behind the enclosures that will make this latest expansion so special.
Fences still line the outskirts of the “Amazon River’s Edge,” but it’s what lies behind the chain link that will bring a taste of the Amazon Forest to the Piney Woods.
When you first enter the East Texas jungle trek, you’ll be greeted by giant river otters, also known as sea wolves. These graceful creatures will greet guest with playful experiences, sliding down their new waterfall and up and down the viewing glass to the amazement of the audience gathering.
However, directly behind the otter enclosure lies a large water filtration room, tying all the enclosures together.
Paul Swen, Director of Marketing for Caldwell Zoo, said the water in each enclosure is one continuous river, encapsulating the Amazon River and constantly maintaining the massive flowing body of water.
Swen, a longtime safari guide, takes KETK through the first and most interactive of the exhibits: the Amazon Immersion. Swen said the wide-open, high-ceiling enclosure will hold the bright pink scarlet ibis and toucans, as well as the Linne’s two-toed sloth, giant anteaters, and fan-favorite capybaras, the largest rodent in the world.
“You are entering their world,” Swen said.
The walkway could be covered with bright-colored birds, but the only thing separating you and the mammals is the river running through the enclosure. As you go through the Amazon River’s Edge, you’ll also notice tree-like structures with brightly-colored macaws lining the walkway.
However, the star of the expansion lies within the jaguar enclosure, where this big cat’s feats of strength will be shown off for all to see.
A wide enclosure that will soon be the home to Parker, a young male jaguar, is attached to what Swen and the Caldwell Zoo call the “Flex Habitat.” The habitat connects the jaguar enclosure to a separate enclosure by way of a “big cat bridge,” that crosses high above the visitor’s walkway.
At any time, the zoo may use the flex habitat to house a capybara or goat, and then move the respective animal back to its original enclosure. From there, zoo staff will open the gates to the jaguar, whose instincts and smell kick in. He will have to make an incredible nine-foot tall jump up to the bridge, walk across and then jump down to sniff out what creatures have been roaming “his house,” as Swen said.
Lastly, the vegetation in between and in the enclosures will be ever changing. Swen said the goal is to let it grow dense giving a true Amazon rainforest feel. Not only will your experience look and sound different each time, but the same for the animals calling these enclosures home.
No animals are in the exhibits currently, but you won’t have to wait long, as Swen said the “Amazon River’s Edge” is set to open to the public in early spring of this year.
