Image: The exhibit is home to a variety of species

The Smithsonian Institution has opened the new US$42m (EUR33.4m, £26.4m) American Trail at Washington DC's National Zoo, after five years in planning and development.

Located in a renovated area between the Elephant Trail and Amazonia, the new exhibit takes visitors to the Pacific Northwest and includes California sea lions and seals among others.

The American Trail features a 300,000-gallon (1.1 million litre) sea lion pool and a 125,000-gallon (473,176 litre) seal pool with wave machines to keep the water in motion.

A wolf yard and a tide pool replicating the Northwest coast also form part of the new exhibit, as well as landscaping with native species representing North American ecosystems.

"American Trail is a celebration of our country's spirit and, in true Smithsonian tradition, a showcase for 'living' American Treasures," said zoo director Dennis Kelly.

"Our visitors can get to know their native wildlife and learn what they can do to help conserve our country's gems."

Click here for more information about the new American Trail exhibit.

Image: Pamela Baker-Masson, Smithsonian's National Zoo