Swansea‘s Plantasia marks its 20th anniversary this weekend with a mix of fun activities and special discounts.
The Parc Tawe attraction was opened in February 1990 and has welcomed over one-and-half-million visitors since being unveiled.
A party atmosphere has been lined-up for Saturday, February 20 to celebrate the special occasion that will include African drumming, a prize trail, a ten-foot inflatable tiger and the chance to pot a plant and contribute to the Rainforest Concern charity.
Prices for the day are also reverting back to original 1990 entry costs: £1 for adults and 75p for children or concessions.
Swansea Council’s Plantasia started life as a botanical garden but the gradual introduction of exotic animals has seen its popularity soar.
Visitors now have the chance to come face-to-face with a selection of exotic reptiles, fish and birds as well as the opportunity to admire the attraction’s plant life on display in tropical, arid and humid climate zones.
A 17-foot Burmese python, a coral snake, a milk snake, an iguana, a chameleon, tarantulas, poison arrow frogs, cotton top tamarin monkeys, bearded dragons and piranha fish are among the creatures available for viewing.
Over 5,000 species of plant life are also housed at the attraction. They include cocoa plants, banana plants and the century plant- a Mexican species that Tequila’s produced from.
Maria Bowen, Plantasia Projects Officer, says much has changed over the years as the attraction keeps pace with the needs and aspirations of visitors.
Maria said: “We welcomed about 72,000 visitors in our first year but now average between 80,000 and 90,000 people annually. Some of the increase can be attributed to the arrival of a variety of animals but we’ve also worked hard on developing the attraction in other ways.
“Over time we’ve raised the profile of Plantasia as a venue for environmental education and have added facilities such as the school room for events and workshops.
“Plantasia is no longer just a leisure attraction. We’re very proud that at least 11,000 of our visitors in 2009 were schoolchildren who came to Plantasia for an educational experience. The variety of plants and animals means they can learn more about topics on their curriculum such as the importance of sustainability and the problem of deforestation in areas such as the Amazon.
“We’ve also introduced regular shows such as Animal Antics at the attraction as well as wedding photography and the chance to book birthday parties.”
Plantasia employs two full-time gardeners and two full-time animal technicians to make sure its plants and animals are kept in the best possible conditions.
Its appearance and environment also mean TV programmes such as Dr Who have been filmed at the attraction in the past.
Have a look at http://www.plantasia.org/ for more information about Plantasia or call 01792 474555.
** Interesting facts about Plantasia **
– There’s over 37 tons of glass at the attraction.
– The attraction contains over 1,600 tons of soil.
– The floor area measures over 1,700 square metres.
– A Computer controlled climate system is in place.
– The attraction is home to the endangered Cotton Top Tamarin Monkey species.
– An area of rainforest the size of Plantasia is destroyed every 10 seconds
