Polar Bears at the Memphis Zoo

On March 1, 2006 a new exhibit opened at the Memphis Zoo, The Northwest Passage. The new exhibit features several animals, including eagles, black bears, sea lions, and my personal favorite, polar bears. The exhibit covers a large area and is very nice. It is decorated with totem poles and offers several prime locations for picture taking. There is even a place where you can watch sea lion shows.

There are three polar bears in the exhibit, Cranbeary, Haley, and Payton. At the exhibit there are very kind people around to answer any questions you may have about the exhibit and the animals. We were informed that Cranbeary is from Denver and Haley and Payton are both from Chicago. So, we now have our very own Chicago Bears right here in Memphis!

The polar bear exhibit has two levels. The first one allows you to see the bears as they are walking around or sleeping, which it seems they really enjoy. There is plenty of room, so even on crowded days everyone has a view. The second level takes you underground where there are floor to ceiling windows that allow you to see the bears underwater. This is a wonderful place to escape the Memphis heat. It is all in the shade and there are a couple of benches to rest on.

In the underground area you can walk right up to the glass as the bears swim by. You get an up close view of the bears and can see just how massive they are. It is truly impressive. If you arrive during feeding time you will catch the bears when they are particularly active. As their food is thrown into the exhibit, you can watch as the bears dive into the water to catch it. This also offers a great opportunity for pictures.

At the end of the day there are several stores where you can buy souvenirs from the trip. You can buy shirts, stuffed animals, jewelry, and you can even adopt your own polar bear! Adoptions are also available for most of the other animals living in the zoo. Admission to The Northwest Passage is included in the general admission for the zoo. Adults are thirteen dollars and children are eight dollars. It is definitely worth the price. The Northwest Passage is a wonderful addition to the Memphis Zoo. Coming soon to the zoo, a new house for the elephants.