Torrie and I went to the National Zoo this morning to check out the new Asian Trail and the new panda exhibit. Tai Shan, the baby panda, if you can call him that, isn’t such a baby anymore. Neither are the three new Sumatran Tiger cubs.

The new exhibits look good, though. They’re very natural looking, and the animals look more at home than the old concrete and fence exhibits such as the Elephant House. I think they’re going to redo that exhibit next.

Two of the coolest animals there were the two sister Red Pandas. Their nimbleness in the trees and playfulness with each other was a surprise. This was the first time getting there early while the animals seemed to be more active. Usually the tigers, pandas and other animals are resting or sleeping. Except those Mexican Wolves; they’re always pacing back and forth looking for trouble.

Tai Shan, the new Panda cub, taking a stroll with one of the parents, but they both look the same to me so I can’t tell which parent it is.

One of the two sister Red Pandas at the National Zoo.

These three Sumatran Tiger Cubs don’t look so much like babies anymore.

The seals are always entertaining, almost never stopping to rest, always playing around and active.

The turtle exhibit isn’t one of the largest, fanciest or most talked about, but I’ve always found omething fascinating about watching these little guys swimming around and sun-bathing.

The Przewalski Horse is a naturally wild horse that was nearly extinct before conservationalist started helping the animals out.