As you enter this special exhibition developed by Little Ray’s Nature Centres, you’re immediately drawn into the world of rainforests. The brightly coloured interpretation panels, interactive games, live animals in their habitats, and caretakers in action provide a wealth of information about these forests and their biodiversity. 

In less than a single generation, half the world’s tropical rainforests have been decimated by deforestation, human activity and climate change. Although rainforests now cover only 6 to 7% of the Earth’s surface, researchers estimate that they are home to almost half of all plant and animal species on the planet!  Unfortunately, at this rate, several species are disappearing every day, never to return. These extinctions limit our chances of better understanding the world around us and advancing science. It’s more important than ever to be informed and to do the right thing.  The exhibition not only illustrates the richness and beauty of rainforests, but also helps us understand their importance in a global context. It’s the ideal starting point for introducing young children to the notion of species protection and reflecting on the impact of our everyday choices on preserving the environment.

Inquisitive minds and those with a passion for insects and reptiles will be delighted by Under the Canopy. Several terrariums allow you to observe frogs, snakes, lizards and tarantulas. A workshop led by one of the Museum’s science interpreters explains the different rainforest ecosystems, and there’s an interactive game on endangered species to test your knowledge! Children can also have fun climbing on giant replicas of turtles, frogs and crocodiles.  As well as providing information about rainforests, the exhibition features a host of surprising facts about the animals that live there. Did you know that the milk frog lives in trees, that the green iguana uses its swimming skills to escape predators, and that the sloth has to come down from its tree to mate? Whether it’s through the enthusiastic caretakers and staff or the brilliantly designed games and panels, you’re sure to come away with a whole new level of knowledge!  With a bit of luck, you might even be in the exhibition gallery when a keeper is walking around with a tortoise to introduce it to Museum visitors, or when the sloth is having its snack. And believe me, a sloth eating a piece of sweet potato is a sight worth seeing!  In short, this magnificent exhibition is a perfect blend of discovery, wonder and education. Designed for visitors of all ages, this journey to the heart of the rainforests is also an opportunity to review our own consumption habits and do our bit to ensure the preservation of the rainforests for centuries to come.