Memphis Zoo: Northwest Passage

 Here's where I made an error in tracking our adventure and could have used a map.  I know, "but don't you have a phone?"  I do.  What I don't have is a magnifying glass to read the map after I find and load it on my phone!  The Memphis Zoo is not alone in going paper map free, but it ought to have large placards of its layout located at regular intervals around the campus--especially one as large as theirs.  So, I knew there was more to see to the west of the African Veldt, but some of the trails seemed to be leading off into an undeveloped area for picnicking or something.  So we walked to what was obvious, the "Northwest Passages" area, and failed to wander on past it to see the newer "Teton Trek."  Sigh.  By missing the Teton Trek, we missed opportunities to see Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Elk, Timber Wolves and Trumpeter Swans...c'est la vie.

The Northwest Passage didn't disappoint, with a large habitat for California Sea Lions.  The zoo is home to four, the eldest of which is Teva.  She's also a bit of Diva given her placing herself center stage for the meager visitors to admire while the younger ones contented themselves with swimming circles around her.  You can also find Ravens and American Bald Eagles here.  A building adjacent to the large amphitheater where the Sea Lions perform twice a day is a building that provides underwater views of the Sea Lions and the Polar Bears.  The zoo is home to Koda, a 1,000 pound male, and Haley, a mere 600 pound female.

Besides the animals and the amphitheater, the area is enhanced by examples of Northwestern American Indian art and totems.  Quotes with Native American wisdom and worldviews are carved into the faux-rock facades all around, too.

The main pool of the California Sea Lion habitat with the covered viewing area to the left.

Teva, happy to be seen.

Additional seating is provided on the opposite side of the habitat.

From inside the building looking out the windows facing the Polar Bear habitat.

One can be seen preparing to nap through the streaked and stained glass.

Another vantage point gives you an excellent view of Koda laid out on his straw "bed."

Sweet dreams Handsome!