Latgale Zoo Launches an Ambitious Expansion Project
Published: 08.02.2019
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The tropical oasis of Latgale Zoo and its charming inhabitants have long enjoyed the genuine affection of Daugavpils residents and visitors to the city. Major changes are soon expected at this extraordinary place, where visitors can not only see animals but also glimpse into their world and explore it in detail: the zoo will expand, and new and interesting attractions and inhabitants will appear here.
The zoo’s development project was drawn up some time ago, and now, with the support of the City Council, it has begun to move forward.
The major transformation will begin with the construction of a walking trail around the nearby marsh, which is home to a colony of black-headed gulls. The project will not only create an interesting attraction but also preserve a unique protected natural area that is currently at risk of disappearing.
The design and construction of the walking trail, complete with observation towers, will begin this year. The lives of the marsh’s diverse inhabitants will be possible to explore in two ways: by taking a leisurely walk along a well-appointed trail that will also be accessible to wheelchairs, or by stepping into the role of a field researcher and choosing an adventure route.
Alongside the construction of the marsh trail, work will also begin on several other extremely interesting attractions that have no counterparts elsewhere in the world: a design competition for the “Marsharium” and “Jungle World” projects will soon be announced. They are planned for the zoo’s expanded grounds.
The Daugavpils Marsharium is conceived as a huge tree, beneath which a unique “underwater” facility will be located for studying the lives of marsh inhabitants.
Next to the Marsharium’s great tree, a landscaped hill with a clear stream will appear. At its foot, among the tree roots, the entrance to the marvellous “Jungle World” will be hidden, allowing visitors to enter a true tropical rainforest without even leaving the city.
The concept for a Latgale farmstead is also being developed. This will be a corner of the zoo where visitors can take a closer look at domestic animals such as goats, sheep, geese and others.
The newly constructed facilities will be home to animals from other zoos, as well as some of Latgale Zoo’s current inhabitants, whose places in the existing exhibits will be taken by representatives of other species. This will significantly expand the diversity of Latgale Zoo’s inhabitants, while the city will gain several attractions that will be unique not only at the regional and national levels but also on a global scale.
