The Mayan pyramid at Johannesburg Zoo is nearly finished. It will be home to animals and plants from Central America, giving visitors a glimpse into that exotic world.

WORK on the Mayan pyramid at Johannesburg Zoo is zipping along, with it expected to be finished by the end of the year.

The pyramid depicts elements of the early Mayan civilisation, and is in the zoo's Amazonia section. The project began in February 2007. According to the exhibit and collection planning consultant, Nick Atchison, the design of the building epitomises a Mayan pyramid of Central America.

"We are working on a modern adaptation of the Mayan pyramid," he said. "It is an exciting project that requires a lot of creativity."

Visitors will be able to learn a bit about the history of the ancient Mayan civilisation at the pyramid, as well as see the animals from the area. Once it was finished, it would house 50 different exhibits indigenous to South America, Atchison said.

Nick Atchison, the exhibit and collection planning consultant, says the design of the building epitomises a Mayan pyramid of Central America

There would be a large predator and other small animals from the Amazon basin in the enclosures. "The pyramid will house reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates and golden lion tamarins.

"The main pyramid will have two floors of exhibit; the third level will be used as an observation deck."

The Amazon enclosures would be enhanced with rocks and trees to reinforce the ancient Mayan theme. Atchison explained that the project involved the zoo's horticulture department, and a species list of plants to be used for each exhibit was being drawn up.

"We want each exhibit to look different from the others," he said.

The project is part of the zoo's ambitious five-year programme to upgrade and renovate its facilities with seven distinct zones - the Spice Route, Heart of Africa, Southern Safari, Extreme Environments, Amazonia, Farmyard and an entertainment area - bringing different parts of the world to Johannesburg.

Already complete are the Ape House and the Forest Floor in the Heart of Africa; a new living area for crocodiles - the Carnivore Curve - in the Southern Safari zone has also been built.

Along the Spice Route, the zoo broadened and expanded the lemurs' enclosure to encourage these endangered species to breed. Buildings and paths in the zone lend an air of the mystery of the spice lands.

Another major upgrade was the construction of a larger enclosure for tigers. These big cats now have an extra space with night rooms to weigh the animals and a separate indoor and outdoor area for cubs or sick animals.

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