Designed by Bassett Associates, this sequence of tropical experiences begins at an entry pagoda, where visitors are oriented to the geography of Indonesia and introduced to the people and culture of this country of 13,000 islands.

A short distance down a narrow dirt trail, the entrance to what appears to be a temple ruins looms ahead. Just inside awaits Dr. Diversity's Research Station-- filled with participatory activities, several animal exhibits and detailed graphics emphasizing the great diversity of tropical rain forests.

Stepping into the transparent dome, visitors experience the heat and humidity of the jungle environment, complete with rain dripping from the shelter ahead, and the sound of thunder in the distance. Here, a butterfly hatchery provides a fascinating look at the emergence of more than a dozen species of butterflies that freely inhabit the dome.

After a brief walk through the upper canopy of the rain forest, guests enter a cool, darkened hallway which provides an incredible view of the spacious orangutan exhibit. Glass viewing panels at a second story level allow nose-to-nose encounters with these endangered great apes as they climb and swing in an environment of artificial, yet realistic trees and vines.

From the orangutan exhibit, visitors re-enter the rain forest and explore this lushly planted tropical environment as they descend from the upper to the lower level of the dome along a narrow bark path that winds among giant figs, bamboo, palms and lush ground cover plants.

Pools of water, a waterfall and ground level banks of fog heighten the sense of tropical immersion and set the stage for free flying birds, bats and butterflies along with a variety of fish and small mammals.

Restrooms, a food concession, and a large multi-use education space complete the exit of the rain forest. A landscaped plaza houses a creative, endangered species carousel. This tremendously popular attraction, recognized by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association with a Significant Achievement Award, provides a participatory learning experience combined with a recreational opportunity that generates critical operating income.

Beyond the carousel, a raised boardwalk carries visitors along a wooded hillside to view a series of spacious post and fabric enclosures for a variety of primates, birds and mammals skillfully tucked in among the large existing trees. A large hillside habitat for the Sumatrian tiger along with a thatched roof interpretive viewing hut is a highlight of this jungle trail adventure, which ultimately returns visitors to the entrance of the Indonesian Rain Forest experience-- right in the heart of Fort Wayne. LASN