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To the Maya, the body of the crocodile, when floating on the water, represents the earth on which humans live; above is the upperworld filled with celestial gods; surrounding and below is the underworld with evil spirits. The Morelet's (Crocodylus moreletii) crocodile is a relatively small species, usually reaching lengths of 10-14 feet (2.2-4.7 m). They have the distinction of being the only North American crocodile to build only mound nests (not mound and hole nests)
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The Ceiba (Ceiba pentandra) or "First tree" was often referred to by the Maya as the "Tree of Life" which was the center of the earth, connecting the terrestrial world to the heavens above. It was the map of the universe; the upper world, middle world and underworld. Today, these trees are often spared when forests are cut down, in respect to their mythological status. Ceibas can grow up to 150 feet (46 m) in height. They often tower above the other trees of the canopy. It is a single trunk tree that is straight with thorns along the trunk. Large buttresses flute from the base with branches growing from the top of the tree to form an umbrella-shaped plane.
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Scattered throughout Mundo Maya are numerous trees and plants such as Cycads, Tree ferns, Cohune palms, Cecropia, Strangler figs and Bay lemon. Cycads and Tree ferns, found mainly in the Southern Hemisphere are very primitive plant species that were abundant during the Mesozoic or the "Age of Dinosaurs". The beautiful Cohune palm is one of the most important trees in the Maya culture - seeds produce oil for lamps, cooking, soap making, lubricants; hearts of palm are eaten; fruits are used as livestock food and made into sweet breads; leaves are used as thatch and wine is produced from the heart and sap. Five-foot long clusters of flowers yield to oval-shaped fruits.
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At the second level, the first level tunnel (home to Bull and Brown sharks) appears to be in the bottom of the waters of the Sacred Cenote. Being the focal point of Mundo Maya at this level, the cenote represents the underground freshwater pools which were vital to the survival of the people in the Yucatan region. Cenotes were believed to be the homes of many spirits and served as passages to the underworld. Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) and Cow-nosed stingrays (Rhinoptera neglecta) share an exhibit adjacent to the cenote. The Kemp's ridley is the most endangered of all sea turtles and one of the 12 most endangered of all animals.
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The Temple of the Jaguar depicts the reverence and fear by the Maya for this beautiful animal. Jaguars (Panthera onca) were symbols of courage and strength. People identified themselves with the Jaguar and rulers were protected even after death by filling their tombs with Jaguar relics. The Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and Jaguar alternate in the three-story exhibit which provides fresh air, access to water and climbing space for these endangered cats.
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The beautiful coloration of Caribbean flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber), comes from the food they eat, such as brine shrimp, algae, small fish and other crustaceans. They feed with their head upside down, shallow keeled bill in the water, with the tongue pumping water through the bill to sift out food. As characteristic of all wading birds, they often rest standing on one leg. They are protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Act.
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