What are swamps?

An area of land that’s forever filled with water, surrounded by woody vegetation like shrubs, bushes and trees, and thick with foliage beneath the surface, swamps are found all over the world. In fact, you can find swamps in every continent across the globe – except from Antarctica – and they come in all shapes and sizes, too.

The two types of swamps

There are two types of swamps found on planet Earth. The first, freshwater swamps, can be found in the south eastern United States and across the Middle East. Alligators, frogs and all sorts of other animals live in these, while in the Everglades in Florida, even panthers have been known to call them home.

Saltwater swamps, meanwhile, form on tropical coastlines where it’s hot and dry. Because many fish swim into these swamps to lay their eggs, and other young species soon make their way here after birth, they’re known as the nurseries of the ocean!

What are swamps for?

Around 6 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by swamps. It’s a good thing there are so many of them as well, because they’re actually some of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth. You see, when heavy rains cause flooding, swamps are like giant sponge, soaking up excess water and stopping the effects of flooding from getting any worse. And if storm surges take place – that’s where the sea level rises due to a storm – swamps can actually protect fragile coastlines from being washed away.

That’s not all, either. These swampy ecosystems can also filter waste from water and purify it naturally. So when excess nitrogen and other unwanted chemicals wash into them, the plants in swamps absorb and use the chemicals for themselves.

We’ve aimed to recreate the swamps that can be found in more tropical regions of the world, so the vibe of our exhibit is bright and full of colours. It’s also a little on the warm side too! We’ve done this so that the animals here can be as comfy as possible while they’re going about their day.

With so many colourful fish across the exhibit’s six tanks, children will love wondering at our swampy citizens – which means it’s a great day our for families too!

That’s not all, of course. For anyone with a keen interest in how plants of the swamp can actually play a role in the safety and preservation of the planet, The Swamp is a real treat. And if you’re looking to learn more about some of the world’s rarest marine life, then we’re proud to be able to offer up a look at fish that you’d only ever see once in a blue moon if you were in the wild.