Detroit Zoo: Bears, The Arctic Ring of Life

 The very heart of the upper extent of the Detroit Zoo is a very large (the largest I've ever seen for Polar Bears) habitat called "The Arctic Ring of Life"(U).  It so large that we walked nearly around the entire circumference admiring all of the design and open (empty) spaces before we came to the habitat for the Pacific Sea Otter (T).  A wonderful large pool with both over ground and below water viewing areas, but no Sea Otters.  

We came to a cabin that gave guests access to below water viewing of the Polar Bear.  Nearby, was another large viewing area.  Most of the folks around us were grumbling over the lack of any Polar Bears.  I noticed one women at the far end of the viewing area with a young girl.  Both were staring intently.  I thought that they must be looking at something.  Indeed, they were watching the Polar Bear.

On the far side of the habitat is a series of habitats with high cliff wall backs (S).  They were home to a trio of Grizzly Bears and a North American Black Bear.  None of which were out.  They could very easily still be burmating.  I wasn't surprised at their absence.

A view of the far side of the huge habitat.

Pacific Sea Otter habitat.

Polar Bear

Ursus maritimus

The underwater viewing room in the Arctic outpost cabin.