Tropical Rainforest At Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Rainforests are the oldest living ecosystems on Earth. There are two types of rainforests: temperate and tropical. Temperate rainforests are mainly found near cooler, coastal mountain regions, whereas tropical rainforests are primarily located in warmer climates located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest, covering over 2.1 million square miles across nine South American countries.
As the name implies, rainforests are the wettest forests on Earth, receiving approximately 33 feet of rainfall a year. This precipitation plays a significant role in creating a lush and biodiverse forest. While rainforests only make up 6% of the Earth’s surface, they are home to over half of the world’s plant and animals species. The Amazon has an incredibly rich ecosystem with over 40,000 plant species, 1,300 bird species, 3,000 types of fish, 430 mammals, and 2.5 million different insects.
Did you know you can see a tropical rainforest, like the Amazon, right here at the Zoo? Our open-air, walk-through Tropical Rainforest exhibit is a celebration of flight as birds are able to fly through the trees above guests' heads for an authentic rainforest experience. The Tropical Rainforest houses a variety of birds such as sun conures, Inca terns, ringed teals, and roseate spoonbills, and features plants representing what people might see in a rainforest anywhere in the world.
During your next visit to the Zoo, make sure to stop by the Tropical Rainforest!