Smithsonian National Zoo: Sea Lions and Seals

 As you leave the Andean Spectacled Bear habitats you start a journey up the switchback American Trail toward the top.  Soon you'll see a "cave".  Upon closer inspection it's an underwater observation area for the California Sea Lions.  A trio of which seemed to revel in sharing their graceful aqua-ballet.  On the far end, you can exit up to an amphitheater where keepers sometimes offer talks.  Originally designed with a seal show in mind, this sort of engagement no longer takes place.

Above the cave you can still watch the Sea Lions frolic underwater from multiple perspectives overlooking the huge pool with over 300,000 gallons of water!  Besides the Sea Lions, a trio of Brown Pelicans also call the habitat home.

Turning back toward the top of the trail you see there's more!  A 125,000 gallon adjacent pool that is home to a trio of Gray Seals.  On this warm September afternoon, they were all lounging around soaking up the warmth.  The entire complex is the finest I've ever encountered for pinnipeds in any zoo or aquarium.  St. Louis Zoo's is also nice and Pittsburgh Zoo's could be if only there were ever any seals on site! 

Cave, no cave?  Better!  Cave with a surprise.

California Sea Lion

Zalophus californianus

California Sea Lion habitat from above on the southern end.

From the upper underwater viewing space.

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

Lazy Gray Seal, with her coat dry, you can see the fur's shimmer.

The entrance to their holding is also a cave-like structure.

Sleeping half submerged, belly up!

Gray Seal

Halichoerus grypus

Parting view: The Gray Seal Pool from the northern end looking back.