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American Trail

September 1, 2012 - Permanent

Museum: National Zoo

Location: American Trail

The American Trail provides a new home for seals, sea lions, and brown pelicans in an enriching environment modeled on the central California coast. There are wave machines to keep the water moving, giving the marine mammals a chance to swim within a changing environment. Underwater features in the sea lion pool provide interesting places for the animals to explore.

The exhibition provides a multisensory experience that re-creates the smells, sounds, look, and feel of the California coast and explores the delicate balance between human actions and the health of our coastlines. The exhibit and facilities are constructed using sustainable practices -- in the spirit of the exhibition's conservation messages.

Also on view along the American Trail are bald eagles, gray wolves, North American river otters, beavers, and ravens.

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