The 70-foot-long acrylic tunnel provides a 360-degree view of the polar bears swimming underwater.
The exhibit uses a massive salt-water filtration system to maintain the water quality for both bears and seals.
The facility was designed specifically to facilitate natural behaviors, including swimming and diving.
It is one of the few zoo habitats in the world to house polar bears and sea otters in a single, integrated exhibit area.
The exhibit includes a 'holding' area that serves as a maternity den for polar bears.
The Arctic Ring of Life is one of North America's largest polar bear exhibits, located within the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Michigan. The habitat features a 70-foot-long underwater viewing tunnel that allows visitors to watch polar bears and seals swim overhead. It spans over four acres and incorporates both land and water environments designed to mimic arctic conditions. The facility includes a dedicated habitat for sea otters and a specialized space for polar bear cub rearing. Water in the exhibits is chilled to maintain appropriate temperatures for the species. The landscape design includes rocky terrain and naturalistic vegetation to simulate a tundra environment.
The deepest point of the underwater viewing tunnel where the light refracts through the water, creating a silhouette effect.
Visit during feeding times, which are often posted near the main exhibit entrance, to see the animals at their most active.
Look for the smaller viewing windows outside the tunnel for closer interaction with the sea otters.
Do not expect to see the bears swimming constantly; they spend a large portion of their day sleeping on land.
Refrain from tapping on the glass, as it creates vibrations that can disturb the animals; maintain a quiet voice near the viewing areas.
