Northwest Passage

Sea Lions

California Sea Lions Zelophus californianus califorinianus

California sea lions are the smallest of all sea lions. They’re pinnipeds– meaning “fin footed.” The ability to use their flippers are one of the differences between seals and sea lions. Another difference is a visible, external ear. Sea lions are strong swimmers, getting up to 22 mph underwater; they can hold their breath underwater up to 30 minutes.

About the Memphis Zoo California Sea Lions

"Remy", "Catalina" and "Buttercup" are our three youngest sea lions, who join"Teva" and call the Memphis Zoo home. Teva was born in June 2012. Sea lions have been part of the Memphis Zoo’s collection since 1955.

Ravens

The Memphis Zoo has one White-Necked Raven, named Roxy, found in the bald eagle habitat.  Ravens, along with other corvids (crows, jays, magpies) are incredibly intelligent, exceling at problem solving and tool usage. Because of her intelligence, Roxy participates in a training program with her keepers where she can learn new behaviors and build strong relationships with them. She is often seen in her habitat flying around, carrying sticks or rocks, and perching on the top of the large tree.  

Throughout time ravens have been the subject of poetry and folklore. Although they are known as scavengers, ravens are skilled hunters that sometimes make a collective effort to take down large game.

Polar Bears

Polar Bears: Ursus maritimus

The hair of a polar bear is actually transparent and hollow – the white you see is from the light being refracted through the fur. Scientists believe that polar bear’s black skin allowed them to soak up as much sunlight as possible in the cold, harsh Arctic climates where they live. Polar bears are the largest land carnivores, and the largest member of the bear family.

About the Memphis Zoo polar bears

Memphis Zoo is home to two polar bears. Their names are Haley and Koda. Our female polar bear Haley was born November 15, 2002, at the Seneca Park Zoo and has been at Memphis since 2006. Our male Koda was born November 25, 2004, at the Denver Zoo. He came to Memphis Zoo at the beginning of 2021 to be a breeding partner for Haley. Memphis Zoo participates in polar bear breeding through the Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP works to ensure the survival of polar bears in zoos due to the species being considered vulnerable in their native habitats. Polar bear populations are currently decreasing due to Arctic sea-ice habitat loss driven by global climate change. The Memphis Zoo partners with an organization called Polar Bears International (PBI) that works to save polar bears by reducing carbon emissions that contribute to Arctic sea-ice melt. As a member of PBI’s Climate Alliance program, Memphis Zoo focuses on educating guests about climate change, the status of Arctic sea-ice, polar bears, and how we as a community can help them.

Koda- Has a rounder face and is larger, usually weighs around 1,100 pounds. He is very playful and curious and can often be seen playing with toys in his habitat. His favorite toy is a rescue pan.

Haley- Has more defined facial features and is smaller, usually weighs around 600 pounds. Haley is very smart and loves to “hunt”! Her favorite toys are large blue barrels that she can pounce on, or small white buckets that she can carry around.

 The Memphis Zoo has had polar bears in our collection since the 1930s.

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagle: Hallaeetus leucocephalus

Don’t expect to see any featherless eagles here. The term “bald” actually means “marked with white” in Old English. The adult plumage usually develops about 5 years of age, when they reach sexual maturity. It’s at this same time that they mate for life. Together, an eagle pair will build an enormous nest. These nests can be up to 8 feet across, 13 feet tall and weigh 1 ton. They use the same nest for years, usually adding to it over time.

About the Memphis Zoo bald eagles

Memphis Zoo is home to 3 bald eagles, 2 females named Sue and Nash, and one male, Freedom. Our bald eagles were injured in the wild and were unsuccessful at completing their rehabilitation to be re-released into their native habitat. All birds of prey, including bald eagles are protected by the Migratory Bird Act and are on loan to us from the government.