The AQUATIS project, sited in the Vaud region of Switzerland, is the largest freshwater aquarium-vivarium in Europe.
The attraction features around 10,000 freshwater fish from across the globe. Alongside a vast range of fish, from paddlefish to piranha, AQUATIS also features reptiles and amphibians.AQUATIS has 46aquariums/terrariums/vivariums and 20 ecosystems.The attraction spreads over 3,500 square metres.The first floor is divided into four European areas – Alpine, Lake Geneva, the Rhone and the Mediterranean.The second floor is devoted to the other continents.
AQUATIS is expected to attract around 400,000 visitors per year.There is a hotel and parking for 1,200 cars.
The project champions both science and sustainability.“AQUATIS aims to stimulate a new awareness amongst visitors of the importance of protecting aquatic environments,” says the website.
Entry fees are CHF29/$29.59 for adults and CHF19 for children.Investors say the ticket pricing is justified because of the elaborate staging.
AQUATIS is a scientific, technological, cultural and sustainable project.Digital technology is used to showcase the rich biodiversity of the planet.Numerous cultural and scientific partnerships will be formed.
It has been built strategically on a major transport hub.This allows the use of environmentally-friendly means of transport.The buildings have been designed to impact minimally on the environment.They have also been constructed with optimum thermal performance and renewable energy sources in mind.
Image:AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium
Europe's biggest freshwater aquarium opens - SWI swissinfo.ch
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