Both the sea lion exhibit (here) and the harbor seal exhibit (behind where I am standing for this photo) follow the same design. They are natural and deep - I like the two level approach. I also like the outdoor viewing for the upper level. My only negative criticism is that they are a bit small - neither one could house more than two (maybe three) animals. I would like to see a bigger setup, especially for sea lions so that a large group could be together as they are in the wild.
Compared to lower 48? I suppose about equal, I have not seen an outstanding pinniped exhibit that I recall. Some are indeed worse. Plus this may be the only place where you can see Steller sea lions in captivity?
Both the sea lion exhibit (here) and the harbor seal exhibit (behind where I am standing for this photo) follow the same design. They are natural and deep - I like the two level approach. I also like the outdoor viewing for the upper level. My only negative criticism is that they are a bit small - neither one could house more than two (maybe three) animals. I would like to see a bigger setup, especially for sea lions so that a large group could be together as they are in the wild.
Compared to lower 48? I suppose about equal, I have not seen an outstanding pinniped exhibit that I recall. Some are indeed worse. Plus this may be the only place where you can see Steller sea lions in captivity?
Thanks for the reply, and I'm glad you were able to do what sounds like a fantastic trip. I like the split-level approach wherever I see it: seeing animals from two different perspectives is always a cool experience for me. From some quick Internet research, it looks as though Oregon Zoo, Vancouver Aquarium, and Mystic Aquarium also have Steller's sea lions. Perhaps they were even sourced from this place in Seward!
I agree that "outstanding" pinniped exhibits are hard to come by. IMO, the best I've seen is the relatively new one in St. Louis.
Mystic is pretty good. At one time they housed Harbor Seals, Northern Fur Seals, Stellar's Sea Lions, California Sea Lions, and a Walrus (late 1970's). The exhibits where outdoors and naturalistic (for the time). Other than the Beluga's (which inhabit what was once Harbor Seals and maybe Grey Seals, I don't recall any underwater viewing.
Compared to lower 48? I suppose about equal, I have not seen an outstanding pinniped exhibit that I recall. Some are indeed worse. Plus this may be the only place where you can see Steller sea lions in captivity?
There are a few places in Europe that keep Steller sea lions. I've seen them at Hardewijk, they're also kept in Madrid, Marineland Antibes, a place in Lithuania and a few places in Russia.
There are a few places in Europe that keep Steller sea lions. I've seen them at Hardewijk, they're also kept in Madrid, Marineland Antibes, a place in Lithuania and a few places in Russia.
