THE OCEAN RIVER
The Amazon River is no stranger to extremes. Exceeding 190 kilometres in width during the wet season and more than 6,300 kilometres long, the Amazon River is, without a doubt, the largest and second longest river in the world. And if that’s not enough to impress you, this mammoth of a river carries with it about 20% of the world’s freshwater discharge into the oceans! This giant of a river also breathes life to the planet’s most luxuriant rainforests – the Amazon Rainforest – and supports at least 2,500 species of fish, one of which is the world’s most feared fish, the Piranha.
HOME OF THE EXTREMES: THE EXPERIENCE
Be transported into the lush tropical rainforest of the Amazon! Walk along the “world’s second longest river” and be amazed by the wide variety of flora and fauna thriving under the dense canopy of the jungle trees. Just when you think you have seen it all, you stumble upon a lost Amazon tribal village. |
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Featured Residents
ANACONDA
Lying submerged in the waters of the Amazon, with only its beady eyes peeping above the water surface, the Anaconda waits until a tasty prey unknowingly crosses its path. Then, it springs into action, coiling its large, thick body around the prey until it suffocates or is crushed to death. The Anaconda is able to grow to over 5 metres long and weighs almost 100 kilograms, making it the world’s largest snake. Though capable of easily killing an adult human, this non-venomous snake would much prefer to stay away from humans, preying on fish, capybaras and the occasional domestic animal that ventures too close to the water.
GIANT RIVER OTTER
The Giant River Otter is the largest of all the otters. Calling the Amazon River home, this playful animal was often found swimming around the boats of early explorers. Possessing the shortest fur of all the otters, the Giant River Otter’s coat is so dense that water doesn’t reach the skin. It has super-sensitive whiskers which allow the otter to detect prey and even changes in water pressure and currents. Unfortunately, its velvety fur makes the otter a target of fur traders. Today, its numbers have decreased drastically and the Giant River Otter is now endangered.
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