Aquatic Ecosystems

Overview

Nestled in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Aquatic Ecosystems experience at Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium offers a truly unique deep dive into the planet's freshwater environments. Recognized as Europe's largest freshwater aquarium-vivarium, Aquatis is an exceptional destination entirely dedicated to aquatic ecosystems and the living world. It invites curious travelers on an immersive journey across five continents – Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and America – to explore the intricate beauty and delicate balance of freshwater life. More than just an exhibition, Aquatis serves as a vital platform for discovery and education, passionately committed to raising public awareness about the fragility of these precious ecosystems and promoting sustainable development. With an impressive capacity of two million liters of water, it houses a staggering array of life, making it a compelling visit for anyone interested in the natural world.

History & Cultural Background

The genesis of Aquatis dates back to the early 2000s, emerging from Lausanne's urban development plans for a new metro line and a multi-storey car park. City officials envisioned an attraction that would not only draw visitors but also serve a significant cultural and educational purpose. The architectural firm RDR Architectes, in collaboration with AEP Concept, brought this vision to life. The complex, including the aquarium-vivarium, opened its doors in autumn 2017, quickly establishing itself as a beacon of scientific culture dedicated to freshwater. Aquatis also thoughtfully integrated the living species from the former Vivarium de Lausanne, ensuring a continuity of care and public engagement. Its creation in a region renowned for its water and environmental expertise further solidified its mission to become Switzerland's foremost center for understanding and protecting freshwater.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets Aquatis's Aquatic Ecosystems apart is its monumental scale and its innovative approach to storytelling. As Europe's largest freshwater aquarium-vivarium, it boasts 46 aquariums, vivariums, and terrariums spanning 3,500 square meters, home to approximately 10,000 fish and over 100 species of reptiles and amphibians. The experience is designed to be deeply immersive, utilizing cutting-edge technology such as projection mapping and interactive digital environments to transport visitors into diverse aquatic worlds. A particularly striking architectural feature is the building's facade, adorned with 100,000 anodized aluminum discs that shimmer like fish scales in the sunlight, an artistic nod to the life within. Visitors can walk through a plexiglass tunnel, offering an extraordinary perspective of the aquatic inhabitants. Beyond the stunning visuals, Aquatis actively participates in conservation programs, focusing on endangered species like the European pond turtle and the Gila monster, making each visit a contribution to global biodiversity efforts.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The journey through Aquatis's Aquatic Ecosystems is thoughtfully curated to mimic 'the life cycle of a drop of water as it travels around the world'. It begins close to home, tracing the freshwater fauna of Switzerland and Europe, specifically following the Rhône River from its Alpine source through Lake Geneva and into the Mediterranean. This section highlights challenges like global warming and melting glaciers. From there, the narrative expands globally. You'll encounter the rich biodiversity of Africa's great lakes, such as Lake Malawi with its vibrant cichlids, and the vast African rivers. Asia's exhibits showcase unique mangroves with their tangled roots and intriguing rice-fish farms, alongside the mighty Mekong River. Oceania introduces you to the Pioneer River and its connection to the Great Barrier Reef, notably featuring the aquarium's only large seawater basin. Finally, the expedition culminates in the Amazon rainforest of South America, a colossal reservoir of biodiversity, where you might observe piranhas, crocodiles, and various other captivating species. The interactive displays and lifelike habitats aim to tell the compelling stories of these environments and their inhabitants.

Visitor Perspective

A visit to the Aquatic Ecosystems at Aquatis is typically an engaging experience lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours, making it an ideal outing for curious travelers of all ages. Families will find it particularly rewarding, with educational workshops designed to help younger visitors understand the fascinating world of aquatic life and environmental challenges. One of the highlights for many is the 533-square-meter Tropical Hall, an immersive Amazonian landscape where you can feel the warmth and humidity while observing tropical plants, frogs, turtles, and caimans. For those keen on a deeper understanding, the breeding station offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at how young animals are cared for and raised, alongside information on conservation breeding programs. Aquatis strives to offer more than just observation; it aims to foster an emotional connection with water and inspire reflection on our relationship with nature, encouraging a lasting sense of environmental responsibility.