This winter has been one of the coldest and snowiest in U.S. history. This has kept many of us indoors and unhappy. There’s a group that loves these freezing temps though: polar bears! These sea bears can handle -50 degree temperatures so our winters are mild in comparison. The winter is a great time to visit these majestic animals. Not only are crowds minimal, but also polar bears are more playful this season. During the sweltering summer months I only see the polar bears sleeping, panting or wishing they were in the air-conditioning. The zoos below have great polar bear exhibits.
Toledo Zoo – Toledo, Ohio
$10-$15
Polar bear twins, Suka and Sakira, were born at the Toledo zoo in November 2012. They now live there with their mother, Crystal (14). These curious cubs have tons of energy. They can often be seen wrestling and playing water polo. The Toledo Zoo has an excellent breeding program. “This is the fourth litter of polar bears the Zoo has had since 2006,” Dr. Randi Meyerson, curator of mammals, said. “I credit our success to high-quality animal care, the staff’s relationship with the animals, the bears’ good temperaments and an outstanding facility.” toledozoo.org
Louisville Zoo – Louisville, Kentucky
$7-$16
Quannik, a wild bear from Alaska, has adjusted well to life in Kentucky. She loves to explore spaces, try new toys and even tweet! Siku moved to Louisville from Toledo in 2009. His favorite pastime is swimming. Now is a great time to check out this fun-loving pair. louisvillezoo.org
Lincoln Park Zoo – Chicago, Illinois
FREE
The Lincoln Park Zoo is home to Anana, a teenager from Rochester, New York. Anana keeps her 700 lb. figure by eating polar bear chow, fish, meat, bones, veggies and fruits. Her favorite thing to do is chewing a big bone. Sound like your furry friend at home? lpzoo.org
San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
$36-$46
The Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge has three fuzzy polar bears. Kalluk and Tatqiq are orphaned siblings from Alaska. They have adjusted well to California though. Their habitat even has a beach where they can bask in the sun. Chinook is also an orphan from Alaska. She is known to swim up to the glass in the underwater viewing tank. This is an experience you can’t miss. animals.sandiegozoo.org
Saint Louis Zoo – Saint Louis, Missouri
FREE
The Saint Louis Zoo broke ground on the McDonnell Polar Bear Point Sep 3, 2013. This 40,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art habitat will have areas for the polar bears to swim, dive, climb rocks and dig in the sand. These enriching activities will keep them happy and healthy. There will be enough space in the facility for a mother, father and three cubs. stlzoo.org
Do you know of any other polar bears? Let us know if the comments.
