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Isle of Wight attractions:
Amazon World
Amazon World is justifiably one of the most popular Isle of Wight attractions. Indeed, according to IOW Tourism, it is the island's 'Top Attraction'.
Dedicated to education and conservation of the Amazon rainforest, it houses, protects and breeds many of South America's most endangered species.
We visited in March 2009 and were impressed by the cleanliness of animals' homes, the freshness of their food, and of the amount of work going on in preparation for the summer season.
In order to re-create the rainforest environment, most of the Amazon World Zoo Park is under glass and heated. Eucalyptus trees tower over you as you explore the winding pathways, whilst exotic birds fly from branch to branch, calling and whistling to each other. Every now and again you come up to a well-kept cage where you'll be greeted, perhaps, by a cheeky face
or a pair of brightly coloured macaws
or a red-billed toucan
No rainforest would be complete without water, of course, and the pond and streams created here just team with life. Huge koi swim gracefully amidst shoals of goldfish
while small turtles or crocodiles may be seen basking on a log.
As one of the very best Isle of Wight attractions, Amazon World is a tribute to its founder, Derek Curtis: a man who, having seen at first hand the destruction of the rainforest and its inhabitants, determined to increase public awareness of the effects of deforestation and to nuture those animals and plants facing extinction at the hands of man.
Below are just a few more of the animals and birds being cared for at Amazon World: anteater, paca, coati, giant anteater and six banded armadillo.
Isle of Wight attractions: Amazon World
Throughout the day (weather permitting) there are various displays to enjoy:
Penguin feeding usually takes place at 11:00
Falconry at 12:30 (and at 3:30 in summer). Here you can watch birds of prey swoop silently over your head and learn how they have become the most successful predators in the world.
Meet the Animals takes place at 2:00 pm when keepers present one mammal, a bird and a reptile and tell visitors all about them. Animals you may see include owls, ocelot, capybara, crocodile, snakes, tortoises and meercat.
This meercat was determined to be photographed!
There is much to learn at Amazon World and it would be very easy to spend the whole day here. Every animal, bird, fish, reptile and insect cage bears a label showing the occupant's common (and latin) name, together with a map showing its native habitat and various notes about its habits, food and why it is endangered.
There is also a display depicting the de-forestation of the rainforest, emphasising the alarming rate at which it is occurring. Another fascinating display shows various tropical plants, trees and fruits. I, for one, had no idea how brazil nuts grow!
Outside you will find The Adventurer's Cafe (great for lunch or tea), The Trading Post gift shop (closed in winter), and two play areas: The Jurassic Adventure Land for over 5s, and Dino Babes for under 5s.
There really is lots and lots to see and do here! For further information you may like to visit the
Amazon World website.
For more ideas on where to go and what to do, please see our main
Isle of Wight attractions page.
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