|
|
Walk under water in Wildwalk’s new coral reef tank
Opening on 22 October 2005
On 22 October, visitors to Wildwalk-At-Bristol will be able to see
Europe’s first ever walk-through living tropical coral reef tank; the
centre piece to the attraction’s brand new People and the Planet gallery.
Focusing on humankind’s relationship with biodiversity and sustainable
development, the gallery has been funded by the Millennium Commission, the Wellcome Trust and SITA Trust.
In the first section of the gallery, visitors can get to grips with the
issues surrounding endangered species through a stimulating mix of
audio-tracks, live animals and plants, hands-on exhibits and evocative
imagery. The four interactive areas tackle the themes of habitat loss,
introduced species, hunting and collection, and climate change in a fun
and engaging way.
Did you know that the introduction of non-native species into habitats is
the second greatest cause of all known extinctions? Find out how exotic
creatures like the gallery’s American bullfrog can upset the balance of
Britain’s native species and test your reactions on the floor-lit rabbit
catching game – ideal for little ones! But the interactive fun doesn’t
stop there, why not try your hand at all the touch-screen challenges on
the ARKive pods positioned throughout the exhibition floor. Showcasing the
world’s first centralised digital library of endangered species, the pods
offer an effective way to search over 100 different species and discover
the threats they face. And if you’re still after more action, why not test
out your target skills on the Hunting gallery and discover the impact
hunting has on other species.
Continuing through the gallery you’ll have the chance to wander under
water in Europe’s first ever, living walk-through tropical coral reef
tank. Teeming with over 1000 animals from around 100 different species,
the coral reef tank offers a stunning slice of tropical marine life,
viewed from an immersive underwater tunnel. Constructed entirely from
natural materials, including marine rock and living corals from
sustainable sources, the tropical micro-ecosystem will be home to a
colourful array of sea life. Visitors can get up close to colourful clams
and awesome anemones based on the tank floor and gaze at beautiful
angelfish, shimmery green chromis, vivid tangs and stripy clownfish as
they swim past. Panels at the side of the tank highlight coral reef
threats, from climate change and the rise in temperature caused by
humankind’s actions, to destructive fishing practises.
You can go globetrotting in Wildwalk’s final section and discover the
impact humans are having on the Earth’s biodiversity. Discover the
importance of sustainable living and pick up top tips on how to take
individual action to help conserve the planet we share. Finally, why not
test your newfound knowledge on the Big foot challenge? Try and answer the
sustainable living questions and see if you can keep the eco-tower from
toppling over with your level of resource use!
Valerie Collins, At-Bristol’s Director of Exhibitions says, ’The new
People and the Planet gallery is a stunning and thought provoking final
section to Wildwalk. Threats to the planet are communicated in a fun and
engaging way and we’re thrilled to have such a spectacular coral reef
tank. People will definitely want to come back time and time again.’
Wildwalk’s People and the Planet gallery opens on 22 October 2005.
To find out more about all the exhibits in this new area please
click here.
To contact the At-Bristol Press Office, please call Annabel Iles:
Tel: 0117 915 7152, fax: 0117 915 7200 or email
annabel.iles@at-bristol.org.uk
Note to Editors:
-
At-Bristol, a registered
charity, has won 13 awards since opening in 2000 including the Good
Britain Guide 2001’s ‘Family Attraction of the Year’ and ‘Large Attraction
of the Year’ in the England in Excellence Awards South West. It consists
of three attractions:
Explore-At-Bristol - a hands-on science centre, IMAX® Theatre-At-Bristol
- the largest cinema screen in the west of England and Wildwalk-At-Bristol
- a journey from the origins of life to the ends of the Earth.
-
It is a Landmark
Millennium Attraction whose principal partners include the Millennium
Commission (£44.3 million), the South West of England Regional Development
Agency (£17.1 million) and Bristol City Council (£15.7 million).
-
The People and the Planet gallery has been funded
by The ReDiscover fund, a joint venture between the Millennium
Commission, the Wellcome Trust and the Wolfson Foundation.
-
Wildwalk’s sustainable development section is supported
by SITA Trust.
-
The ARKive project is an initiative of Bristol-based
Wildscreen.
|
