Kalluk, left, and Chinook
The bears love the wall area, and with all the great rain we’ve had, the yard is thick with green grass. In fact, we’ve begun calling the yard Polar Bear Park! We did, however, want to do some remodeling in the exhibit: remove some of the deadwood to make viewing easier. We set about renting a huge crane to come and lift the wood out and move the huge root balls, but…
The project started when we brought all three bears in for the afternoon and night while we cut through all the metal thread that held everything together, cut the wood into smaller, more manageable pieces, and basically prepared all for fast work the next morning. Everything needed to be done by 9 a.m. so the crane would not block the road.
We were all in an hour early; we made sure the bears were all fed and happy with new beds or enrichment and then set up for the crane. The crane arrived early but, OH NO! The hydraulic line broke! The crane was out of commission. Now what? We can’t let the bears on exhibit—it was too dangerous with all the loose logs. In steps teamwork!
One of our animal care managers got a bobcat tractor while ropes, chains, pry bars, and determination were gathered. For the next two hours logs were pulled off and out with loud crashes and moved into better positions. The polar bears’ “living room” took on a whole new look. By 9 a.m. we had everything done and secure so our trio could come out and assess our work. We expected lots of curiosity from them, but they took a look, a sniff, and went off to their carrot piles! We will be doing a bit more work before the grand re-opening on March 26, including removing one more root ball and filling part of the center shelter area with sand for another sleeping area.
There is also a return of that wonderful “sllluuurrrrrrpppppp” sound every day from Kalluk. What does this mean? As we are beginning to understand, scent is an integral part of polar bear communication. Just as breeding season begins, Kalluk busies himself with smelling everywhere Chinook has stepped. He flattens his nose and mouth to the floor and slurp-inhales with all he’s got to assess where Chinook may be in her approach to breeding season. We now are seeing him less and less away from her as he has become her shadow. This year, he seems to be less anxious about it, perhaps after last year he has gained some maturity and confidence. In the past few days we have begun to see Chinook become more flirtatious with him, and she often adds a nice face rub to her greetings to him. She rarely goes anywhere now without her 1,000-pound shadow!
Tatqiq is beginning to be an outcast, but she also seems to have gained some confidence. She is not backing down from Chinook but instead stands in place and offers behaviors that neutralize Chinook’s advances. Every day we do offer all our bears the opportunity to show us what they need, and so far everyone still wants to be together. We are really happy that when it comes time to give someone a break, they get to spend it in the new Polar Bear Park!
When you come to visit after re-opening on March 26, you will be able to see through the exhibit and look on the hill and see our bears in their lush, green park.
JoAnne Simerson is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo. Read her previous post, Polar Bears: Oh So Busy.
Watch video of the new statues and interactive elements being moved into place at Polar Bear Plunge.
Awww, breeding season is upon us again, already…Yippy ! Thanx for the update JoAnne. I’ve been waiting and waiting for the latest and greatest. I hope to make it there soon if not for the grand opening of the new plunge then soon thereafter. And thanx for the video of the erecting of the new polar bear statues. I cant wait to see everything once it’s complete. Exciting ! Question. Can the bears see the statues from where they are, and if so, is it expected they may react to those statues ? Thanx again JoAnne
right now- all 3 bears swimming with a big red ball at 10:00am! What a way to start the day!
I think that slurping might be the VNO (vomeronasal organ) at work again. He obviously receives information about her through this behavior, but I doubt if her footprints give it to him through taste. Scent may come into it, bringing up the whole question again of whether there are scent organs on her feet.
Dear Moderator:
How long is the gestation period for a polar bear?
Moderator’s note: You can find basic polar bear information like this on our Polar Bear fact sheet.
Great to read the latest about the gang, JoAnne. At the moment two of them (I’m assuming it’s Kalluk and Chinook) are hungrily devouring a pile of carrots each. It seems like only yesterday that we were crossing everything, hoping for a little fluffy cub. So here we go again – good luck to Chinook and Kalluk.
I just watched the video updating the construction process of the Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge. I am excited that there will be three different sizes of polar bears representing various stages of physical maturity. I did not realize how immensely tall Kalluk is until JoAnne mentioned that Kalluk stands at 10′ 1″ tall!!! Oh my goodness! I knew he is the largest bear of the trio, and weighs in nearly 1 ton, but this tall??? They all look like normal size brown bears to me from the camera.
Of course, it has been years since I visited the zoo, so my memories of the bears are a bit vague. I can’t wait for my next chance to see these beautiful, smart bears in person!
Thank you for all this information on Polar Bears and let’s hope that there will be a baby polar bear soon. How long is a Polar Bear pregnant?
Moderator’s note: See comment #4.
Nice update. I will enjoy seeing the new look. Have fun with the bears.
Sounds exciting! Looking forward to breeding season updates.
#1 Lainie
Yes, the bears can see them from the beach area. We haven’t seen any reaction yet to the statues, but they all do love watching all the work going on. The helicopter is being built this week and they check it out every morning!
The helicopter?
Moderator’s note: Visit our new Polar Bear Plunge Web site and you’ll see an artist’s rendering of the research helicopter and other interactive elements being put into place for the grand re-opening on March 26.
#10, JoAnne, from your descriptions of how much the bears have enjoyed the construction over the past year, it seems like it might be a bit of a let down for them when it is all finished. Granted their visitors, whom they enjoy watching as well, will provide a different kind of enrichment for them. And, if Chinook gets pregnant and has cub(s) this year that will be even more enrichment. So, I guess they are living in a constantly changing world which is great enrichment for everyone. Were any of the trees on the fence line by the road where the bus goes by cut back at all? The only way we got to see the bears in January was from the top of the double deck bus. I was very thankful they happened to be lounging at that end of the “beach” that afternoon. I got some great photos.We tried to see over the fence from the road, but weren’t as successful.
what lucky polar bears they are & don’t even know it! their enviorment is just great and the care and dedication that is provided them is superb!!! zoos today have learned soooo much and have put it to use wisely. hopefully, breeding will take place and enhance this wonderful zoo! there is always alot going on and we are lucky to hear all about changes, events, re-models, and the births of new babies!! thanks SDZ for keeping us informed and drooling at the bit to come & see things for ourselves!! LOL! girl from the north!
Hi, guys! Was just watching polar bear cam, and 2 polar bears were just enjoying themselves on the deck having some backscratching fun! They were both pretty much in sync while they were scratching their backs! I think that could’ve been Kalluk and Chinook together!
Read your newest update about the polar bears and the new Polar Bear Plunge. I am so glad to read that breeding season is about to get going again for Kalluk and Chinook. That’ll be great for all of us that love to watch these bears on the cam! Will just love to see 2 new polar bear cubs soon! Hope this one will work out for Chinook this time around! Please put pics on the website as soon as you get them, ok? Want to see what the new additions to the Plunge are.
Gonna go and check the cams.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Is the small mammal exhibit over by the reindeer (it used to hold Pallas’ cats and before that arctic fox) still there, or has it been removed to install the new interpretive elements?
Moderator’s note: The small mammal exhibit is still in place and is being prepared for some new residents…stay tuned!
Looks like a lot of “love” going on near the new viewing window. Chinook is interested in someone behind the window, and Kalluk is interested in Chinook. Looking forward to the re-opening of Plunge, and to the highlight of the end of the year, which will hopefully bring tiny white cub(s).
I can’t wait for the 26th. I was at the Zoo on Sat., and was able to peek through the fence and see a couple of bears enjoying themselves. They weren’t close enough to identify who. Had I been there long enough, I might have been able to, however, security drove up and asked me to move away. I was sooo bummed. Obviously there were many others before me because the lining on the fence (for privacy) had already been moved in a few spots. All I had to do was look in. Anyhow, I tried to chum up w/the security guard so she might let me peak a little longer but that didn’t work. At least she was nice about it! She did ask if I was able to get a look : )
By the way, my son informed me that he (and his boss) is cutting the new tree piece/log that’s going in to this enclosure (proud mom moment) He works w/Danny who is the arborist @ the SD Zoo. Only my son doesn’t work for the Zoo. He’s a student, and the arborist @ Grossmont Cuyamaca College, where Danny teaches.
This bit of info didn’t win me any points w/the security guard either but that’s really what I was looking to see.
Moderator’s note: Nice try, Mom! But seriously, your son is in great hands with Danny!
Aaah… she greets him with a nice face rub. How sweet is that — my goodness, if I were a bear — I think I would do that same thing to sweet Kalluk. Can’t wait for the new exhibit — I’ll be there for sure!
I was so disappointed, and dare I say angry to read in a newspaper this morning that the EU has decided that they will not be joining America in helping the Polar Bears. No reason was given. It begs the question that the EU would only be interested if there was a monetary gain for them. From what I can gather, Britain would be quite happy to help but as we are part of the EU we don’t have the choice. Thank goodness I am part of the SDZ family and, hopefully, can do my bit by donating whenever I can. A very sad day for the Polars.
Those bears are gorgeous!!
Susan, UK; I just read your comment about EU not supporting and partnering with the USA about polar bear conservation and habitat restoration to help these bears from going down in numbers any further. I say, BOOOO ON THE EU!!! There are a number of polar bears in zoos and sanctuaries all across Europe, and these facilities are doing all they can to educate people about what is really going on with the polar bears on their own. They would love to have the support of the EU in their efforts. Sad to hear that the EU commission is not environmentally conscious right now! There are wild polar bears roaming around the Arctic Circle area in Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Russia, and these bears do deserve as much attention as the polar bears that roam in the Arctic Circle in Alaska, USA and Canada. Here in the USA, we have finally put the polar bears on the IUCN threatened list due to habitat changes, climate changes, global warming, and loss of Arctic sea ice. So, there is still a ton of work to do to help these wild polar bears to stay fed, stay well, stay fit, and let mothers to be able to raise their cubs. Susan, do your best to help! We all need to follow her lead! Kalluk, Chinook, and Tatqiq can teach all of us about polar bears because they are the ambassadors of their species for everyone!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Chari #21, I agree, BOOOO on the EU!! However, I also heard on the news this afternoon that the Scandinavian countries (didn’t quite hear all that were mentioned) have also decided not to help. They think that there are enough bears! The EU does have environmental concerns but, as I mentioned, they are more to do with raising money for their own pockets rather than sorting out the environmental problems. Why can’t people/countries get together and support each other rather than fighting their own individual corner? The loss of polar bears and all other wildlife affects the whole world – without animals and insects the human population will also die out. That is a very sobering thought.
I think I may be looking at some flirtatious activities going on between two bears. One is currently lying down on his/her side, and the other is standing right next to it, playfully prodding for some actions with its muzzle. How cute and lovely!
did you see kalluk and chinook mating today???!!!!
one very dirty bear rolling in what looks like fresh mulch–ahhhhhhh
another one close behind! how cute!
Susan, UK; WHAT??? BOOOO on the Scandinavian countries, too!! I CANNOT believe that the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark) are also not going to be a part of the serious effort to do all they can for the polar bears. They think they have ENOUGH polar bears?? Hate to say it, but I beg to differ a little bit! Yes, there maybe more polar bear numbers in that region than there are here in Alaska, USA and Canada, but those numbers are also in serious jeapordy as well. Global warming and climate change affects the whole ENTIRE Arctic Circle region, not just in certain areas. There is also the loss of sea ice around the Scandinavian countries and Russia as well, not just around Canada and Alaska. I also hope that the EU will be alot more conscientious about our environment and climate change, and that all of the Scandinavian countries as well as Russia will start to have a huge wake up call, too! Hang in there, girlfriend! These people need some kind of intervention from somewhere to wake them up, and start spending the money for the conservation efforts of the polar bears, and stop thinking about themselves! Sometimes, I wonder about our USA politicians when it comes to polar bears and other environmental issues! Anyway, keep us updated about the situation on the EU and the Scandinavian countries. BTW, did the EU countries sign that Kyoto agreement a few years that’s supposed to give countries guidelines on reducing greenhouse gasses/carbon emitions, and work towards conservation of wildlife? My inquiring mind wants to know. Hope you are hoping for a new polar bear cub or two this year from Chinook because I sure am!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
9:00am. Today. We’ve got some mating going on……. =) Sadly Tatqiq looks on, seemingly not understanding what is going on… =(
Chari, indeed the EU did sign the Kyoto agreement. I’ve noticed that when ‘positive’ things are happening regarding emissions/wildlife etc, all the politicians make sure the public know about it but it’s the opposite when they aren’t doing what the people want. It looks like the animal world will have to depend on all of us animal lovers donating to charities such as the WWF etc and also through Zoos like the SDZ. I really am hoping that Chinook will have one or two cubs this year and I’ve already got pins and needles in my left foot from keeping all the toes crossed!
The beautiful, lovely Tatqiq is currently lying down in a patch of grass and sniffing the air intently. I can always tell it is Tatqiq when the camera aims directly at her face. She has a long, skinny muzzle and is as pretty as can be for one polar bear princess. The weather looks sunny, and she seems to be basking in the warmth of the sunshine. A lovely sight indeed!
Friday night and Spring starts tomorrow, but I think it started already. This is the FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER seen the bears swim at night! The one that loves the blue ball, and one that is unsure it if wants to get wet at night. LOVE is in the air???????
Fuzzy white ball of fur sleeping in the bushes. Just reached out for a leg stretch. Gorgeous.
Taking my son to the zoo for the first time tomorrow…is the polar bear exhibit completely closed to the public until the 26th? Thanks.
Moderator’s note: Yes. But I hope you’ll still have a great time–beautiful weather this weekend
one very dirty brown bear, sleeping right next to and on top of like a pillow of another bear. dont know who they are,but they are very close to each other. goodnite.
Went back and checked and he is still going forward and backward right at the top left of the screen……you mostly see his legs…..poor baby. Never turns around either.
Moderator’s note: It’s breeding season, and keepers say Kalluk had a lot of pent-up energy last night as he waited for Chinook to wake up. He is very focused
I have noticed when I put on the polar bears that one is just walking forwards, then backwards in the same spot. Has been for hours. Does that mean that breeding time is coming? Why so repetitive? Usually I don’t see them out at nite and its 7:30 pm here.
You would think that one would be exhausted by the walking…..for hours……
Went to the new “Plunge” today. The statue was awesome, but the “seal thing, iglu” I can do without. Be prepared for alot of kids screaming. But thats because I am just an animal lover, not a ice berg crawler ha ha ha….AND so I was NEVER so WORRIED about an animal before. This was my first time seeing Kalluk SO STRESSED that he could not be next to his “wife” Chinook, I only hope that you gave him a vallum when you gave them their lunch and separated him up to the top yard. The keepers said its only Spring time, and he was stressed, but I could not watch him for long, the poor baby was walking forward and backward several times. He would pause to look at her to see if she was watching. But this is my only time watching them during spring so don’t take my word for it, still go to Polar Plunge. Tatqiq was fluffy and sun bathing in the pretty sparklely white sand that was all over her. And after they separated the bears for lunch, Chinook got to come out first and eat what ever she wanted without being “bothered” by her husband (if you know what I mean, love is in the air) I only hope he gets some “meds” to calm him down, she is not going anywhere I hope, and still loves him
AND wonderful day at the ZOO, got to see several of my favorite animals getting fed and “keeper talked about” except for Yun Zi that little guy sure sleeps alot AND you never saw something so cute as a tiny baby meerkat!
I HAVE A GREAT IDEA< unless you thought of this already. Since Kalluk is so in love and rocks back and forth, how about if you take Chinook in, "brush" her with a towel or something to get her scent on it, then put it out for Kalluk to "sleep" beside. They will sort of be together, while she is getting a rest.
Right now on the Polar Bear cam I see Tatqiq/Kalluk hanging his/her head upside down and a paw up in the air!!! Its soo funny for some reason!!!
umm.. I live in Finland, and I can guarantee that POLAR BEARS DO NOT LIVE IN FINLAND!!! nor in sweden, nor in norway.. It does live in Northern Russia, Western and Northern Alaska, arctic areas of Canada, Greenland, Svalbard and Middle Siberia.
C’moon people! There are NO polar bears in Finland. Even though San Diego Zoo thinks that there is. There are NO polar bears in Finland.
There are no polar bears in Finland. Or in Sweden. Except in zoos.
It is quite possible that polar bears lived along the Norwegian coast, in the Norwegian Sea and maybe in Barents Sea as well, during the latest glaciation. But they must have left about 10 000 years ago because of the climate change. Although northernmost Norway, Sweden and Finland are situated north of the Arctic Circle, the climate is not arctic. During the Atlantic period of Holocene (our postglacial time) the climate was warmer than now, not favouring arctic animals like polar bear and musk oxe – the arctic reindeer did stay in the Scandinavian mountains. The climate in northernmost Europe is subarctic to boreal today, thanks to the Gulf Steam; the Arctic Sea does not freeze, but the White Sea, south of the Kola Penisula does, as do Gulf of Bothnia and Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. There is seal in them, yes. Definitely no polar bear.
Also, many reindeer live in North-Finland and North-Sweden.