Smithsonian National Zoo: American Trail (from June 16)

The newest renovation at the Smithsonian National Zoo is a redesign and upgrade to the American Trail creating a beautiful, meandering second pathway between the upper and lower ends of the zoo.  The transformation created new habitats and made visiting existing ones a more enjoyable experience.  By now it was mid-afternoon and a lot of animals had checked out of the heat.

At the bottom of the natural run is the also recently renovated California and Gray Seal complex with two enormous aquatic habitats, including underwater viewing and an educational amphitheater.  

 The pair of Gray Seals was out and about looking radiant in the water's shimmer.

 A life-sized sculpture of a California Seal Lion provides great photo opts.

At the lower end of the complex you can enter a faux cave and enjoy underwater viewing in the shaded coolness.  When the animals cooperate, of course!

Further down still are the zoo's depression era bear habitats.  They have been upgraded over the years and today are the home of a pair of Andean Bears that the zoo is hoping will breed.  Another pair of these endangered animals, the only dears native to South America are also being given the opportunity to breed at nearby Salisbury Zoo on Maryland's eastern shore.

The only Andean Bear present was enjoying the shade.