Zoo opens new aquatic display

a West Lothian zoo has teamed up with an environmental organisation to create a new aquatic display that will give visitors a unique underwater view of animals acting as they would do in their natural habitat.

Five sisters Zoo in West Calder and the river Forth Fisheries trust have set up the new display to highlight the health of the river almond and its inhabitants.

the river Forth Fisheries trust have donated ten baby brown trout to the zoo to be used as an educational tool regarding river ecology, food chains and life cycles within the waterway and its tributaries.

Jamie Ormiston, community engagement officer at river Forth Fisheries trust, said:“For centuries, the rivers almond and avon have been used and abused by people which has impacted on the local plants and animals.

“this new display at Five sisters Zoo will allow people to see what’s happening beneath the surface and inspire them to take better care of their local river.

“as the new display is outside and open to the elements we will naturally see insects, such as mayfly larvae, begin to populate the tank and become a natural food source for our trout as you would see in the wild. What better way to see food webs and life cycles but in a real-life situation.“

the display is part of the trust’s riverLife: almond & avon project that will run until autumn 2020 where they hope to highlight the importance of rivers to the local community.

a spokesperson for Five sisters Zoo said:“We are delighted to work with the riverLife: almond & avon project, displaying these fish for our visiting schools, groups and families.

“Five sisters Zoo is encouraging children to get outside on to our nature trail to observe the incredible wildlife living all around us and fostering positive relationships with the outdoors and with nature.“