Arctic Ring of Life
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This state-of-the-art, $14.9 million, interactive facility encompasses over four acres of outdoor and indoor exhibits. In addition to showing a variety of fauna and flora, the exhibit explores the relationship between Arctic people (Inuit) and wildlife.
Among the complex's attractions is an Inuit village of the early 1900s. In addition to experiencing polar bears in a vast, open tundra, guests will encounter other Arctic animals including the Arctic Fox.
The most unique feature of the Arctic Ring of Life is the spectacular 70-foot-long Frederick and Barbara Erb Polar Passage, a clear tunnel that winds through a vast underwater marine environment. This 12-foot-wide, eight-foot-tall tunnel takes visitors underneath diving and swimming polar bears and seals!
The bears and seals are separated from each other by a transparent barrier but appear to share one aquatic environment. Visitors then arrive in an "ice world," passing through a frigid ice cave and finally entering the Exploration Station with additional indoor viewing.
The Detroit Zoo has been a leader in the exhibition, management and breeding of polar bears since the opening of the first bear exhibit in 1928. |
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