South America may be over 5,000 miles away but Swansea people will soon be able to experience the Amazonian lifestyle right here in the city.
A hut similar to those lived in by the Native Indian tribes of the rainforest is to be constructed at Plantasia in Parc Tawe for opening early in the New Year.
The hut will be made of materials like reed and bamboo and could feature artefacts including traditional hammocks, jewellery, baskets and a blowpipe.
Amazonian creatures such as piranhas, poison arrow frogs, scorpions and cockroaches are already housed at the attraction.
Maria Bowen, Plantasia Projects Officer, has visited the Amazon area and met up with people from the Waroni and Shuar tribes.
Some of the artefacts she brought back from Ecuador are among those that will feature in the hut and children’s workshops.
Maria said: “Work will start on building and installing the hut during our annual fortnightly closure for maintenance in January.
“The hut will allow people to experience the living conditions of tribes in the Amazon and will complement our extensive programme of education about the rainforest.
“It will also open up another space where we can run workshops and other events and can continue to spark people’s imaginations.”
Plantasia typically welcomes about 10,000 visitors a month. A 50% entry fee reduction is available this month for anyone who wants to take a look at what’s available in the attraction.
Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: “Plantasia is a wonderful attraction because it’s good fun as well as being educational.
“The addition of the rainforest hut will boost what’s already a fabulous rainforest experience at the attraction.”
Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/plantasia for more information or call 01792 475955.
