Europe’s biggest freshwater aquarium opens

From Saturday, October 21, people can admire freshwater fish from the Amazon in the new Aquatis aquarium-vivarium in Lausanne. The organisers call it a scientific and sustainable project. But there is also criticism.

With around 10,000 freshwater fish from all over the world — from paddlefish to piranha — as well as reptiles and amphibians, Aquatis will be the largest freshwater aquarium-vivarium in Europe. The 3,500 square-metre facility is expected to attract some 400,000 visitors annually.

But Aquatis has attracted criticism from animal rights groups. At CHF29 ($29.59) per adult and CHF19 per child, the entry fees are also raising hackles. Investors have defended the cost, saying it’s justified due to the elaborate staging of the aquariums. The facility also boasts a hotel and parking for 1,200 cars.

(RTS/swissinfo.ch)