When I'm not at WASH-FM, I'm often at my volunteer job at the National Zoo. This week I got a preview of the zoo's brand new American Trail, and snapped a few shots. With the Trail's grand opening at noon September 1, you too can get a close-up view of wolves, seals, sea lions, otters, beavers, pelicans, ravens, a bald eagle, and much more from around the USA!
   There are plenty of photos at the National Zoo website. But I wanted to share some of what I saw. 
   One of the coolest things is what you'll hear: the lapping of waves in the seal and sea lion area. Yes, the animals have their own wave pool, built to resemble the Oregon coast.
   There will be big crowds on American Trail as it debuts. Make sure you come back again soon because the number of animals will be increasing now that their new homes are finished. You can also break away from the crowd and see some cute baby cats in the areas where I volunteer. The fishing cat kittens are out along Asia Trail, and the two cheetah cubs are still making their daily appearances at the Cheetah Conservation Station. If I'm around, say hi!