The Great Bear Wilderness

What better way to use our expiring zoo membership than a visit to Brookfield Zoo's newest exhibit, the Great Bear Wilderness. Our membership expired May 31, so we squeaked by May 30. Ellie arrived in style like only she can.
The wilderness features much more than bears. We began with bison like those that used to roam the prairies. You can tell their new habitat is much truer to life.
The zoo is home to at least one bald eagle, but we actually prefer to see them in Florida, where they fly free. Will was able to compare his wingspan to an eagle's—it's hard to believe a bird can be bigger than him!
Probably my favorite part of the exhibit was seeing gray wolves in their new home; I had an opportunity to meet gray wolves up close and personal at IU. It's nothing like the 40,000 square-mile territory (you read that right) a wolf might have in the wild, but it's lush and lovely, and the one-way glass provides lots of viewing area for visitors.
True to its name, the Great Bear Wilderness is home to bears, too. I think we're getting closer... look at that paw print!
I'm a little embarrassed to admit I'm not certain, but I believe this is a brown bear. He (or she) looked quite content in its new digs.
And I believe the next bear, who wisely spent the hot day cooling in the pool, is a grizzly.
Just in case you're not easily impressed by a bear's size, meet the polar bear. The display certainly lends perspective.
And yet the bears themselves seemed almost cuddly. Almost. It's easy to say when there's glass between you. ;)
They're threatened by climate change, but this one didn't seem to mind.
I'm still of two minds about zoos: appreciate the conservation efforts, but still don't love the idea of captivity. I'd have to ask the animals, but it looked like the Great Bear Wilderness succeeds as best it can. We enjoyed it!