The exhibit
Polar Bear Shores is one of the greatest Polar Bear exhibits around, designed and built for the animals. The exhibit is designed to simulate an Arctic Summer, in Hudson Bay, where the temperature is similar to the hot humid conditions found on the Gold Coast everyday. The actual exhibit is about 5 degrees Celsius cooler then the viewing area. This is due (in part) to a shade cover over the enclosure, preventing 90% of the suns rays from entering. It is also due to mist generators, which cools the exhibit. Polar Bear also utilises chilled water, which was at first too cold for Kanook. It was originally set at 18*C (or about 60*F), but when Kanook first dived in, she was quick to leave the water. The water is now marginally warmer, which seems to suit Kanook much better.
The public can view the bears from three different areas, one on the water line, one above, and one below the water. The public area of the enclosure is full of information about Polar Bears, which is well worth a read.
When the Polar Bears aren�t on public Display, they are housed in 'pens' in the back of the enclosure. Although calling them 'pens' is probably the wrong word to use, because there is about the same amount of room for the bears off exhibit as there is on.
Seaworld's Polar Bear Shores is as much an experience as it is an exhibit. Its a great chance to see Polar Bears, but the whole place will take your breath away when you enter, especially if your used to the square concrete enclosures popular in many old zoos the world over. |
