Topeka Zoological Park	+ Larger Font + Smaller Font
Michael D. Coker, Zoo Director Topeka Zoological Park - Map 635 SW Gage Blvd Topeka, KS 66606 785-368-9131 785-368-9152 FAX mcoker@topeka.org	Zoo Administration office 785 368-9180 785 368-9140 Recorded information line 785 368-9152 Fax line

Inside the 100 foot diameter dome of the rain forest enclosure you will find a wide variety of free-ranging mammals, birds and reptiles, in a lush tropical environment. Take a stroll around and look closely on the ground, in the water and all through the trees.

There are five layers to the rainforest. Each layer has its own particular inhabitants.

Emergent layer
Highest layer, where only the tallest trees emerge from the dense growth. Many animals live in this layer, especially far-ranging birds.

Canopy layer
Consists of the tops of many trees, vines and plants that cling to the trees. This layer is very densely populated with many species of animals.

Understory
The layer just under the canopy and is often the trunks of the largest trees, vines and some plants with lower light requirements.

Ground layer
Has many inhabitants including reptiles, mammals, amphibians and even some birds.

Water of the rainforest
It's lifeblood. Many trees and plants line the waterways.