August 2008. These highly active mammals are always a pleasure to watch in this naturalistic habitat. There is no other viewing but this underwater window, which encompasses the land area as well.
August 2008. These highly active mammals are always a pleasure to watch in this naturalistic habitat. There is no other viewing but this underwater window, which encompasses the land area as well.
The entire Great Northwest section of the zoo is top notch, and it was gradually pieced together over a period of about ten years. All of the North American animals at the zoo have impressive enclosures.
Actually this excellent otter exhibit is over 25 years old. It won the AZA exhibit award in 1983, and has since been integrated into the newer Great Northwest complex, with minor modifications. It's interesting how this complex, built over multiple years under different directors by different designers, has very variable levels of quality and "finish." I much prefer the older river otter, Mountain goat and Steller Cove exhibits to the black bear, cougar and eagle exhibits build more recently. But taken as a whole this is a fantastic and cohesive exhibit theme/experience.
