Smithsonian National Zoo: North American Fauna

 Once you go past the Sea Lions and Seals to are confronted with a side path loop that is home to a little ensemble of North American animals.  There are two bird species: Ravens and American Bald Eagles, two small mammals: Beaver and North American River Otters.  And one canine: the Gray Wolf.  Of these, only the Otters were "en casa".   But if you had to choose just one--wouldn't you want it to be a pair of energetic, playful North American River Otters?

The upper end of the main winding path continues to the bottom of the multi-faceted Asian Elephant habitat.  It criss-crosses a flowing stream which is on one level artificial and covers a distance of over a quarter of a mile from it waterfall inception to the over-spill pond near the bottom that leads, when needed down into Rock Creek.  The entire creation has got to me one of the largest water features of its kind in any zoo anywhere.  And yet it blends so seamlessly into the landscape around it, that I doubt guests even wonder that it's not natural.  

If I lived in the neighborhood, I would find it difficult not to stake out a spot on one of the benches and spend my afternoons reading and watching the visitors pass by.  The natural flora invites lots of fauna.  I've personally encountered feral White-Tailed Deer in the wooded areas adjacent to the trail.  But for now...Otters!

The North American River Otter Habitat is large and designed with two "streams" that flow into a pool where guests can watch the Otters underwater as well.

The habitat is home to a pair, male and female.

The male noticed me and gave me a quick assay.

The view as I hike on up the pathway beyond the North American habitats; stream to the left as I approach the first bridge over it.