Featured Image Credit: NWKidsMagazine.com
Let’s face it- sea lions are pretty freaking awesome. Not only are the extremely agile in the water, they are curious, smart, playful and a bit silly! They have these loud “barks” just like a dog that make them even cooler, and they are so quick to learn complex behaviors while in human care.
For this list, we’re counting down the most impressive, educational, and enriching sea lions habitats in the entire world!
10.) Pacific Point Preserve: Seaworld San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Opened in 2015, this new exhibit made it’s debut along with a new show featuring California sea lions and Asian small-clawed otters.Pacific Included in the exhibit are rocks for the animals to climb on, dive off, and sunbathe on along with several viewing areas both above and level with the exhibit, Pacific Point has become a favorite among visitors to the park. It is designed to look like a coastal town on the Pacific Ocean. Guests also have the opportunity to feed fish to the animals and even purchase an unforgettable swim with a California sea lion.
9.) Sea Lion Cove: Dublin Zoo, Dublin, Ireland
Also opened in 2015, Sea Lion Cove at the Dublin Zoo is a state-of-the-art facility for sea lion conservation and husbandry. The exhibit is home to California sea lions and includes rocks and ledges for the animals to exhibit natural behaviors such as diving and sunbathing. The enclosure area sits where a lake used to be, which made the construction of it challenging. The difficulties were well worth it, as this sea lion exhibit is one of the most visited in Europe and delights visitors.
8.) Aqua Park: Nuremberg Zoo, Nuremberg, Germany
This unique area is actually home to more than just sea lions! At Aqua Park you can find otters, sea lions, penguins, and polar bears. Renovated in 2001, the exhibits for the penguins and sea lions became two of the largest exhibits of any kind in all of Europe. The sea lion enclosure now boasts over 5,300 sq. ft. of land and over 9,000 sq. ft. of 11 ft deep water. With rocks in the middle for sunbathing, plenty of areas for guest viewing, and educational information all around, this sea lion exhibit is among the best in Europe.
7. California Sea Lions, Zoo Opole, Opole, Poland
With a spacious pool, an island for trainers to work with the animals, and a slide-out area for the sea lions to come out of the water, this exhibit that is home to popular California sea lions is quite impressive! Guests can get a great look at the animals with viewing access above the exhibit almost all the way around. This enclosure also has underwater viewing and trainer presentations throughout the day.
6. Rocky Shores: Hole Zoo, Salt Lake City, UT
This multi-species realm of the Hogle Zoo is home to both California sea lions and harbor seals. It is one of the largest areas in the zoo’s history. Guests have the opportunity to learn more about both of these species through educational technology and watch keeper presentations about the conservation and care of sea lions. The exhibit is designed to resemble the Pacific shores and forests.
5. American Trail: Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington, DC
It’s no wonder this exhibit made its way onto this list- is the national zoo of America! Smithsonian takes great pride in providing both its animals and visitors with world class animal exhibits. Through its pristine exhibits and realistic accents, American Trail does a great job of showcasing the beauty of America. The 300,000 gallon tank features a wave maker and both underwater and above water viewing.
4. Pacific Pier, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Perhaps one of the best sea lion exhibits in all of Asia, Pacific Pier at Ocean Park made its way onto this list due to its size, enrichment opportunities and the number of spaces for the animals to climb, slide and sunbathe. It is also AZA accredited! The exhibit also includes a wave maker!
3. Helmerich Sea Lion Cove: Tulsa Zoo, Tulsa, OK
This amazing cove is home to several rescued sea lions that cannot go back into the wild. With plenty of rocks, caves, holes, cliffs, and shady spots, the animals have plenty of opportunities to feel like they are right at home though. The main pool is 100,000 gallons and also include a waterfall! Another public viewing area features underwater viewing and seats for visitors to watch training demonstrations. Behind the main rock house you will find facilities and work species for food prep and husbandry.
2. Sea Lion Landing: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia, SC
Sea Lion Landing is a 250,000 gallon exhibit with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, circular and overhead viewing and an amphitheater. The exhibit is accented with rocks, themed holding buildings and docks. Visitors have the chance to have fun while engaging with the sea lions from all angles. It is said to be one of the best sea lion exhibits in America.
1. Sea Lion Sound: St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis, MO
Sea Lion Sound expands over 1.5 acres! It is large, advanced and completely immersive which is why it ring in at number one on our list. The exhibit boasts a feature element- a 35 foot long Holekamp Aqua Tunnel. As guests walk through the tunnel, they are surrounds with underwater views of the playful California sea lions. The 250,000 gallon tan is filtered by an environmentally friendly filtration system. It saves over 11 million gallons of water every year! Towards the back of the exhibit you will find the Sea Lion Care Center where both veterinarians and trainers care for the animals. The pool has different depths so that sea lions can both sunbathe but also dive and play in the water. It’s the perfect exhibit to get a complete look at the lives of sea lions.
The ranking of these exhibits was based on educational content, animal enrichment, and uniqueness. These 10 exhibits are some of the best places in the world that you can go to get an amazing look into the curious world of sea lions!
Originally seen on Zoonation.org.