The early stages of construction at Caldwell Zoo’s Amazon River’s Edge, where careful planning and design bring the vibrant world of the Amazon to life. (Contributed Photo)

After five years of planning, design, construction and animal acquisition, Caldwell Zoo‘s long-awaited Amazon River’s Edge will soon be ready for a soft opening.

“The goals of zoos have evolved over time,” said brand director Paul Swen. “The region of Caldwell Zoo that highlighted animals from South America was the oldest part of the Zoo. We wanted to expand the area and make it more fun and alluring to all our guests.”

The development of the Amazon exhibit began with a simple goal: to transform a part of the zoo into something engaging and truly special. Once the Amazon was chosen as the theme, a team researched animals that would offer great guest interaction while also serving as meaningful ambassadors for their species. From there, the architectural plans took shape, with a focus on creating the best possible habitats for each animal. Every detail was carefully considered, and the project took over two years of construction to bring this vision to life.

“The actual Amazon is one of the most bio-diverse regions on the planet,” Swen said. “Not only is the Amazon rich with animal species and abundant with minerals and raw products, the rainforests are crucial to Earth’s oxygen generation. So, we wanted to share the beauty and the vastness of this area.”

Water plays a vital role in the Amazon ecosystem and is a key feature in the design of the exhibit.

“Guests will be able to see animals up close, in and out of the water and from perspectives that are wonderfully unique,” Swen said.

The Amazon exhibit will feature a charismatic array of animals, including a jaguar, a pair of playful giant river otters, and a two-toed sloth. Visitors will also encounter a variety of birds in a free-flying walk-through aviary, a capybara, and many other fascinating species.

According to Swen, the animals will need some time to adjust before interacting with the public.

“Some animals need more time to explore and feel comfortable in their new habitats,” he said. “When all the animals are comfortable, we will quietly open the entrance to the new area.”

At this time, there is no set date for the opening, largely due to weather conditions.

“We will only transport the animals when it is safe for them,” Swen said.

Amazon River’s Edge occupies 7 acres inside the zoo, with an abundance of horticulture designed to create a rainforest experience. Part of the expansion aims to make the zoo more fun and engaging for visitors.

“Guests can expect beautiful views and many opportunities to see animals like never before,” Swen said. “The entire area is meant to be engaging.”

This project cost over $15 million to build, with all funds donated by the Caldwell Foundation, which has been supporting the zoo since its inception. As Amazon River’s Edge nears its opening, the zoo is also exploring ways to update other areas, enhance educational opportunities, and expand its efforts in wildlife conservation.

“The zoo is always looking for ways to improve guest experience and actively support wildlife,” Swen said. “So, we are constantly considering ways to expand our educational programs and conservation efforts.”

The Caldwell Zoo is committed to making learning about animals an enjoyable and interactive experience, with a strong focus on making education both fun and engaging for visitors.

“We see the power and benefits of connecting people with wildlife,” Swen said. “By creating an appreciation for the natural world, we can ensure that all these wonderful animals will be here for generations to come.”

The Caldwell Zoo is located at 2203 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. in Tyler.