Zoo of Maryland in Baltimore #2

Stop #2 @ the Zoo of Maryland in Baltimore. The Polar Bear Watch.

It's a relatively new aspect of this 138 year old zoological park. The main feature is an expansive compound for Polar Bears perched on a hill. The large open space is bifurcated by a large Arctic Buggy. The buggy conceals openings beneath it that are designed to keep two or more Polar Bears in separate spaces. This would theoretically allow for a male and a female with cubs to be kept at the zoo without endangering the cubs. You can go up into the arctic buggy as an observation platform. Inside there are streaming videos about Polar Bear conservation and exhibits about their habitat etc. It is also air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter.(The last time I visited the AC was on the fritz and it was about 325˚ Fahrenheit inside!) On the way to the main compound are a series of other cages holding Ravens (one Raven today), Snow Owls (no en casa today), and Arctic Foxes. One sad little caged fellow pacing around his cage like a deadman walking--another sad moment.

 POLAR BEAR

 POLAR BEAR

ARCTIC FOX