Photos: Europe’s biggest home for endangered species opens in Switzerland

People can now admire endangered freshwater species from across five continents at Aquatis, Europe's largest aquarium-vivarium in Switzerland. The organisers call it a scientific and sustainable project.

Updated on: Oct 23, 2017 1:34 PM IST

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Visitors admire a fish in a glass tunnel on the opening day of Aquatis, the largest fresh water aquarium-vivarium in Lausanne, Switzerland. Aquatis opened its doors to the public, offering visitors a chance to discover little-known species of fish, reptiles and amphibians from across five continents. (Fabrice Coffrini / AFP)

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Having opened its doors on Saturday, October 21, 2017, the structure houses 10,000 species of fish from five continents and 100 reptiles housed in 20 different ecosystems. (Denis Balibouse / REUTERS)

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A young visitor watches a Komodo dragon in its enclosure in Aquatis. The Komodo dragon, native to the islands on Indonesia is among one of the vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. (Fabrice Coffrini / AFP)

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On opening day, Aquatis also attracted criticism from animal rights groups. Anti-speciesism activists on-site held banners that read, ‘Together for equality’ (L), ‘We are not accomplice in speciesism’(C) and ‘Justice for animals’ during a demonstration. (Fabrice Coffrini / AFP)

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A visitor attempts to caress a Ray fish through its enclosure. Visitors can get up close with many of the species on show at Aquatis, which will ultimately help conservation efforts according to the aquarium. (Fabrice Coffrini / AFP)

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Visitors walk under a robotic dinosaur structure in Aquatis. More than just a visitor attraction, Aquatis (Aqua for water, T for ‘terra’ or earth, I for innovation and S for science) is a scientific, technological, cultural and sustainable project. (Fabrice Coffrini / AFP)

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People walk next to one of the 46 individual aquariums in Aquatis. Supported by the AQUATIS foundation, the project aims to increase awareness of nature and aquatic environments within the city of Lausanne and will drive educational initiatives through interactive activity programmes and workshops with specialist guest speakers. (Fabrice Coffrini / AFP)