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The mystery photo that you just saw is a rubber boot.

Rubber boots are an essential part of our rainforest experience since there are all sorts of poisonous critters and plants around the forest floor. When we are walking through the flooded forest, often times we will be stomping through swampy wetlands. It is safe to keep our feet covered at all times to avoid possible injury.

Natural rubber was discovered in the late 1800's in the Amazon rainforest. It comes from a tree, just as maple syrup comes from the maple tree. The rubber industry became a huge money maker for people who were willing to go deep into the rainforest to tap the rubber trees. Today, most rubber is made synthetically, in big factories.

Patrick trys out his rubber boots before heading to the rainforest.