As you explore the 1.5 acres of rocky outcroppings and winding trails, keep your eyes peeled for meat-eating animals that may be lurking just inches away. In addition to Canada lynx, a snow leopard, a fishing cat and white-nosed coatis, you'll meet a vegetarian - a red panda. The word "carnivore" has two meanings. Literally, it means "meat-eater". However, the word is also used to group all the varieties of dogs, bears, cats, raccoons, ferrets and hyenas. So these pandas are considered carnivores even though they usually eat bamboo.

This stony empire is also home to one of only two pairs of giant river otters on exhibit in North American zoos. These entertaining, aquatic acrobats are part of a special breeding program to help this endangered species. The Zoo also works to conserve giant otters in Guyana by working with partners in South America to motivate people to act on the otter's behalf.