Sexton 1
Composition 3
15 October 2013
Simply Amazing
The Saint Louis Zoo is perfectly located in the
most beautiful place in the city of Saint Louis, Forest
Park. The St. Louis Zoo is one of the biggest zoos in the
country, containing over 18,000 different animals. While
being surrounded by beautiful wildlife, greenery, and the
ambient sounds, visitors can be educated in animal
wildlife, see the famous Raja the elephant, or laugh with
At feeding presented to the public, the
seals perform tricks in order to get their
food. This is entertaining for the whole
family
others while the sea otters splash around in their pool.
However, there is one exhibit that no one can top: the sea
lion show.
The new Sea Lion Sound exhibit opened on June 30, 2012. This new $18 exhibit offers
more of a naturalistic look for the sea lions. A 1.5 acre arena is great for families, pre-teens, and,
yes, even teenagers looking for something to do on a weekend.
The Sea Lion Sound is also an entertaining way to spend a day away from the house.
According to the Saint Louis Zoo website, “Some of the acrobatic and athletic behaviors you'll
see from these intelligent animals include Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform,
powerful swimming, hurdle and high jump, flipper walk, balancing acts, frisbee tosses, and lots
of splashing and even more surprises.”
Sexton 2
The shows are available to the public on September 7-October 27. However, the only
days visitors able to access the Sea Lion Sound show are on Saturdays and Sundays, at 10:30 am,
1pm, and 3pm (“Sea Lion Sound”). Also, if visitor miss this wonderful experience, it is okay.
There are also feedings available to the public that follow every show.
A young sixteen year old recently visited the Sea Lion Sound and described how
breathtaking the display of sea lions really is, “the sea lions are all so well trained in everything
little thing they do. Everyone was always laughing at the sea lion’s tricks or clapping for them. I
believe everyone should take a little time out their day to witness the Sea Lion Sound at least
once in their lifetime. It’s worth every penny in your pocket and every minute in your day. I
definitely can’t wait to go again” (Hurley).
The Saint Louis Zoo has spent so much money and time on the new exhibit, but it was
worth it, “The St. Louis Zoo's new Sea Lion Sound has won the top zoo association award for
exhibit design this year. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums gave Sea Lion Sound the honor
at a ceremony today during the association's annual conference in Kansas City” (Hunn).
According to the Saint Louis Dispatch article about the exhibit, this is the first time the zoo has
won an award since 1995.
The zoo architects really went all out on this exhibit. They clearly wanted to attract more
people to the zoo but also wanted to show off the skills of the sea lions and the other 18,000
beautiful animals they have in the Saint Louis Zoo. This zoo has become simply amazing (495).
Sexton 3
Works Cited
Hunn, David. “Saint Louis Zoo Wins Design Award for Sea Lion Sound.” Saint Louis PostDispatch. Saint Louis Post-Dispatch, 11 Sept. 2013. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/st-louis-zoo-wins-design-award-for-sea-lionsound/article_df3f52d9-cae5-5376-bd59-721fd9475a57.html
Hurley, Gabrielle. Personal Interview. 1 Oct. 2013.
“Sea Lion Sound.” Saint Louis Zoo. Saint Louis Zoo, 2013. Web. 7 Oct. 2013.
<http://www.stlzoo.org/visit/thingstoseeanddo/historichill/sealionsound/>