Mangrove Swamp

Lore & Background

Mangroves: The Roots of the Sea opened at Living Coasts in July 2009, becoming Britain's first major exhibit themed on a mangrove swamp habitat. The exhibit featured large aquarium tanks containing over 20 species, including three types of sting ray. This exhibit was part of the coastal zoo's commitment to showcasing coastal wildlife and habitats, complementing the site's covered giant aviary and other enclosures such as the artificial tidal estuary, penguin beach, and underwater viewing areas. The zoo was owned by South West Environmental Parks as part of the Wild Planet Trust and was a registered charity based around seabirds and other coastal wildlife.

Reader's Guide

When visiting Living Coasts, the Mangroves: The Roots of the Sea exhibit was a key attraction within the coastal zoo. Opened in July 2009, it featured large aquarium tanks with a total capacity of 1,214 cubic metres (321,000 US gal) across the aviary's interior. The exhibit showcased over 20 species, including three types of sting ray, and was Britain's first major mangrove swamp-themed display. It complemented other exhibits like the artificial tidal estuary, penguin beach, and underwater viewing areas, all part of the zoo's focus on seabirds and coastal wildlife. The zoo was a member of BIAZA, EAZA, and WAZA, and closed permanently on 16 June 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Did You Know?

• Living Coasts was built on the site of the former Torquay Marine Spa and opened to the public on 14 July 2003.
• The zoo's aviary was 19 metres (62 ft) at its highest point and had a total volume of 1.8 million cubic feet (51,000 m3).
• Living Coasts was home to the oldest African penguin in the UK, named Pat, before he was euthanized in 2015 at the age of 37.