They can be tiny, but boy are they mighty! These curious and often feared animals can be seen in a space built especially for them. The invertebrates carry a stigma and are not fully understood by humans. Think of cockroaches, spiders and scorpions, as well as reptiles, geckos, and snakes. We want to change that, so we put together an educational exhibit that explains in a very simple and straightforward way why they are important and why we should not prejudice them.

Life’s diversity on Earth is outstanding, but we still know very little about it. Understanding what is around us is fundamental to comprehending how the planet keeps this delicate balance in place.

Here’s our invitation for guests to visit the “Small but Mighty” space and embark on the journey where geckos, spiders, scorpions, cockroaches, and many more are the main characters.

Through the looking glass, visitors can watch the impressive organization skills only the sauba ants have! This is one of the very few exhibits in the world that allow for this type of observation. Mario Paulo Autuori, naturalist, entomologist, biologist, and researcher, who was Zoo director from 1960-1982, is responsible for this space. The Anthill is one of the most sought-after educational spaces in the Zoo since its inauguration in 1980.

The insect population has been decreasing at an alarming rate, and specialists fear many species might disappear altogether in a very short time. Insects are essential for the correct operation of all natural ecosystems, as they act as pollinators and nutrient recycling centers, among other things.

The Anthill exhibit shows the public what happens inside an ant colony, which we cannot see without such a setup. This helps to incite curiosity in most people and reflections on why threats against these animals’ lives shouldn’t exist.

Our amphibian friends are waiting for you at the Frog’s Leap, an exhibit that shows guests how fundamental is their role to keep nature’s balance. Visitors can watch them in terrariums that emulate their natural habitats and witness their unique behaviors and species’ characteristics.

There are supporting materials on panels around the space, with content on the animals and their importance to nature. This area is a partnership between the Zoo, the Butantan Institute, and the Zoology Museum of USP. (São Paulo’s University)

Throughout 140 million years nature has shaped these lengthy, lonely, and winding animals so they could survive in many different environments. Their unique characteristics contribute to their presence in myths and legends, which caused fear and curiosity in people’s minds. Many times, they have been persecuted and prejudiced.

So here is your chance to broaden your horizons and understand why we have had misconceptions about these animals forever. In partnership with the Butantan Institute’s Biological Museum and the USP Veterinerean Anatomy Museum, Zoo SP presents the largest serpent exhibit in the country, where you can discover firsthand what impact these animals have on you!

The Xochimilco space was created based on the interpreted habit concept: three different themed areas so the visitors can transport themselves to the axolotl’s natural habitat. Here you can learn more about these Mexican salamanders and the current efforts to save the species from extinction.