Zootails 54

Zootails 54- It's a Trial Run: "Wet Side Story"
By Dr. Elizabeth Kaufman

On your last visit to the Zoo did you notice all the heavy construction going on opposite the elephant exhibit? It's over now because a new exhibit called "Wet Side Story" opened during the first week of November, 2009. It is actually a spacious complex of aquaria and is the only one of its kind in Israel. The exhibit presents different aquatic habitats in Israel and around the world focusing on the pressing issues of aquatic habitats today. You will be able to learn about the importance of preservation of water sources and how to use them properly, understand the ongoing projects of wildlife conservation occurring in these habitats and enjoy the never ending movement of the underwater environment. In fact, this year, as water issues in Israel gain more emphasis, the opening of an aquatic exhibit at the Zoo is even more significant. The total investment of the exhibit was $1.5 million and was made possible with the generous gift of the Friends of the Zoo in Sand Diego, USA, headed by Mr. Robert Price. "Wet Side Story" is actually a story of a drop of water that falls in the North of Israel and sets off on a worldwide journey traveling through different habitats. Together with the visitor, the drop gets acquainted with the fish and animals specific to those environments and also encounters the dangers that threaten these habitats. Starting in the North of Israel in the Hula Valley, via Lake Kinneret, to the Jordan River, and the Dead Sea (there are fish that inhabit the springs of the receding Dead Sea), the drop makes its way along the streams of the Mediterranean coast. The drop's journey is displayed in habitats of other continents too; North America, the Amazon River of South America and Lake Tanganyika in Africa. At the end of the journey, the drop reaches the coral reefs of the Red Sea. In its journey, the drop has to pass through man made obstructions such as dams, water pumps, contaminated rivers and agricultural run-off waters. Where can you find this watery wonder? A beautiful wooden bridge will take you down to the complex, set in the old Hippo and Bison yards. The Bison were transferred a year ago to the deer forest in the North of Israel and "Tami" our old Hippo can be found happily bobbing up and down in the lake in the African yard. Surrounded by the sound of rushing water on all sides it's feels like you are entering another world. As you walk down the bridge you look into the Asian Short Clawed Otter's new play ground. This is the only mammal in the complex and it's truly a pleasure to watch them cavorting. In the cleverly converted old Hippo pool, visitors can feed the Koi fish and maybe even touch these colorful, playful and friendly fish. The complex includes 17 large aquaria and 3 huge water tanks, where dozens of fish species are displayed. During the construction process, for the first time in Israel, huge acrylic Planks were installed, making for a different kind of viewing experience. The planks were installed by the Japanese company "Nipura". Their engineers arrived especially from Japan for the installation. The estimation is that it will take a few more months until the correct balance between fish, plants and other animals is set. We hope that come spring, the "trial run" will be over and the exhibit will officially open. By then, all the fish and other inhabitants will acclimate and the complex will be green with vegetation. As far fetched as it may sound – finally, there are fish in Jerusalem! Don't miss a visit to the "Wet Side Story" on your next visit!