Printable version Email this to a friend
Biome planting
The Clore Rainforest Lookout Biome recreates the lush foliage of the tropical rainforest, creating a natural habitat for the animals that live there.
© ZSLThe planting of the biome has been specially selected to mimic the South American rainforest, but has a secondary role to provide animal enrichment.
Five mature trees help to create the tropical feel, allowing the birds, monkeys and sloths to flit between and rest upon their branches. The cannonball tree (Couroupitas giuanensis) - so named because of its giant fruit – provides enrichment for our silvery and pygmy marmosets who can be seen gorging on its gum.
Another feature of the biome’s planting is the epiphytes growing near the tree tops where there is lots of sunlight. Epiphytes do not take nutrients from their roots but collect water and nutrients in their leaves and it is possible you may see some of our animals drinking out of their leaves.
© ZSLThe jungle nature of exhibit is heightened by the dried llianas, or creepers, which snake from tree to tree, providing pathways and places to perch though the biome.
The trees are underplanted shade tolerant plants, such as philodendrons. Their large leaves provide colour and cover for our agoutis foraging on the forest floor.
Papaya, custard apples and passionflower are also growing within the biome and it is hoped that in future they will produce fruit for the animals to crop off and feed from.
