The Wildlife Experience

Discovering Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are beautiful structures formed underwater by skeletons of small organisms called polyps. These structures provide food and shelter to a number of creatures under the sea and have a unique, sculptural beauty.

There are three different types of coral reefs: fringing reefs form along the coastline in shallow water while barrier reefs form farther out to sea and create a barrier between a lagoon and the sea. Learn about the third type, coral atolls, and how they form around old volcanoes from the video below.

You can learn even more about coral reefs and the planet's wildlife and ecosystems at The Wildlife Experience.

Located just outside of Denver, we have a diverse and interactive array of exhibits, activities and movies that will educate and entertain visitors of all ages. For more information, please visit us online or call us at (720) 253-0933.

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