Expanded Aquatic Exhibit at Osnabrück Zoo: Tetra Aquarium Now Includes Sound System
In the heart of Zoo Osnabrück, a new marine exhibit has emerged, showcasing the captivating Pacific ear jellyfish. These aesthetically pleasing creatures have found a new home in the Tetra-Aquarium, designed to replicate the ecosystem of the sea.
The Pacific ear jellyfish, scientifically known as Chrysaora fuscescens, are unlike any other animals in the zoo. They have no head, no legs, no fins, and belong to a different form of life. These creatures, resembling the slimy creatures found in the German Baltic Sea, are a fascinating addition to the zoo, aiming to change their image from the 'slimy thing on the beach'.
The Tetra-Aquarium, a long-term partner of Zoo Osnabrück, has collaborated with Tetra, a company from Melle, to make this exhibit possible. Tetra donated 17,000 euros to create special aquariums for both the jellyfish and a new garbage aquarium. The latter serves to sensitize visitors about marine pollution, with its design resembling a jellyfish current, where plastic waste swirls, mimicking the movement of the jellyfish.
The purpose of this unique setup is to demonstrate why some animals, like marine turtles, mistake plastic waste for their natural food source, jellyfish. The jellyfish aquarium, on the other hand, features a water current to simulate the natural sea flow, ensuring the jellyfish remain suspended.
The Pacific ear jellyfish have been living in Osnabrück for about a month now. They were introduced to the public on Wednesday, 16th April, after allowing them to acclimate to their new environment. The 13 jellyfish are essential for the representation of the sea ecosystem as they are visible plankton.
Their presence in the Tetra-Aquarium not only adds to the diversity of the aquarium environment but also plays a role in maintaining ecological balance. The jellyfish can be both predators feeding on plankton and small fish, and prey for larger species, thus contributing to a balanced miniature marine ecosystem.
Moreover, the exhibition of these jellyfish helps raise public awareness about marine ecosystems and jellyfish biology. By showcasing these creatures, Zoo Osnabrück aims to clarify the world of the sea and the threats to its habitat.
So, next time you visit Zoo Osnabrück, be sure to stop by the Tetra-Aquarium to witness the mesmerising dance of the Pacific ear jellyfish. They may not have heads or legs, but their presence in the aquarium is a testament to the beauty and complexity of marine life.
The Pacific ear jellyfish's unique lifestyle, suspended in a simulated sea flow, has found a harmonious place among the Tetra-Aquarium's home-and-garden of marine ecosystems. This mesmerizing display aims to enlighten visitors about marine biology, fostering an appreciation for the intricate balances within the sea world.
