Chinook enjoys some ice time in July.
Over the past week, Chinook has been more active and has been spending lots of time outside in our polar bear management yard instead of her bedrooms and den. On this past Sunday, we removed the den, and she seemed not to care. So this morning we reintroduced our fabulous threesome! After a brief greeting, all three settled on exhibit: Chinook in the mulch by the road, Kalluk on the point, and Tatqiq at the edge of the pool. All seem to be pleased with each other’s company. Chinook did go up to the doors after 30 minutes to see if we were around, but after sniffing and listening she went back out to her mulch bed.
The immediate future will be about continuing the ultrasound exams for a few weeks just to see any changes. Then as we approach the end of winter, we expect to see Kalluk’s behavior change, letting us know breeding season will be upon us shortly, and then. . .we all know the routine. So uncross you fingers and rest your hopes, at least until next fall!
JoAnne Simerson is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo. Read her previous post, Polar Bears: No Easy Answers.
Thats a pity there are no babies this year but glad all 3 are back together and good luck for next year.xxxxx
Thanks for the update – there’s always next year! I’m watching one of the bears having a grand tiime diving for a large bone.
Thanks for the update JoAnne. I know all of us were hoping for different news. Glad to hear our Trio are happy to be together again. Mother nature has a mind of her own…
What a shame! We were looking forward to having little ones this year! Such is life. We will just have to wait until next year!
Thanks JoAnne. We needed to hear this from you but wished we hadn’t. We will all go through this again next year. Are there any fertility drugs you can give her? Yes, I am kidding.
Well it will happen in natures time….glad to see the threesome back together and dirty.
It is funny to see them dirty. They really seem to like it.
YUK!!! No baby polar bears to watch on the cam again!! Looks like we all have not had the baby bear luck this year with the polar bears and the pandas as we have had in the last several years! Looks like we will all have to wait until next year to see if any of the 4 panda ladies and Chinook will be able to get pregnant and have babies! Po in Atlanta should be weaned sometime in May after he turns 18 months old, and that will give Lun Lun some time to go back into a late estrus cycle during the summer. Just have to wait and see with her. I sure was hoping that Chinook would have babies to help all of us with the baby bear withdrawal this year! All of the other baby animals are growing up pretty fast at this time in their lives.
Oh well, Chinook! Maybe the 3rd or 4th time will be the charm in 2012!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
A little sad, but I’m glad they were able to reunite without upset. It’s interesting how Chinook begins to go through the steps leading to motherhood — the withdrawal, the digging, the overeating — even when she’s not going to give birth. Maybe one year she’ll do it for a real reason and surprise us.
Hi from Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain),
Pleased to say that my mother and me, luckily, found this web with animals live streaming included.
We’ve falled in love with your polar bears! Wish you to be successful in having cubs from them (and LIKE them) because they’re wonderful and look really lovely.
I’d like to meet them face to face! I’ve even thought about travelling out there…
Moderator’s note: We look forward to your visit! It’s so wonderful to meet our polar bears face to face.
Oh well- a happy,healthy bear is what’s important! babies are just extra sauce for us! Like in humans, maybe there is some fertility issues somewhere and his and hers reproductive systems need a little look see? either way– I love to watch them all and ESPECIALLY when they are dirty! love Kansas City!
We still love you Chinook!
Joanne, Oh darn! No babies this year but wait till next year!
Now, it’s time to start the candlelight dinners for Kalluck and Chinook.
I do not want to sound like I do not know anything but why does Chinook seem like she is in a family way and then after so lone she goes back to her playful ways with Kalluk and Tatqiq?
There’s an annual cycle. Her body takes her through many of the steps to prepare for cubs, even when there will be none. It’s hormonal. She gains weight, withdraws from the other bears, and digs as though building a den. They were testing her and thought her hormone levels seemed promising, but now she’s past the time when a birth would happen. Her body seems to be moving into the next phase of the cycle, which will mean that she’ll soon be gazing amorously at Kalluk. Keep a hopeful thought for next year.
Looks like polar bears like pandas have a sort of pseudo pregnancy. There’s always next year and its always a long wait. A happy healthy Chinook is good news even though there is no cubbie.
Oh BOTHER as another famous bear says! SDZ needs to hear the pitter patter of little bear feet – of some type! I guess all of us bear lovers – polar, panda, etc – will just have to be patient and see what the new year will bring. Keep up the awesome work staff of SDZ!
Just wondering… are the kids going to get candycanes again for Yule?
no babies this year for the zoo & all of us out here in cyber space! oh well, we can’t always have what we want can we? the babies are so much fun to watch though and we wanted that alot. maybe, there is a reason why our girl is not producing. have the male & female had fertility levels checked ? maybe next year!!
Although no baby polar bears, I’m sure all of the testing and preparing will give us a better understanding of a polar bears reproductive cycle. I’m happy the trio is back together and will be celebrating the holidays together. Now its time to get the scents out and help the love birds get in the move for some baby making. Wishing all of the sdz staff happy holidays.
You might want to keep an eye on Giovanna at the Munich Zoo. She’s withdrawn into the den.
Cubs born in Rhenen, NL to Huggies on December 1. One died, two survived:
ullijseisbaeren dot wordpress (dot) com/neuigkeiten-news/
Have a look here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1pA4LLm350&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
and here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRGj60J0F28&feature=BFa&list=ULcQosk7aziXU&lf=mfu_in_order
Lots of hope for these two. Huggies is a very experienced mother.
Ohh My, can those little guys screech !! LOL.
Thanks for sharing the link Diane in Victoria ! Hopefully we get the same here in SD, with our lovely lady ! =)
Poor Chinook. Yes – we still love them all!
Just curious – do you know that Kalluk is capable of being a daddy? Has AI been considered?
Guess we all just want to see the pitter-patter of little bear paws.
JoAnne responds: We have no reason to believe that Kalluk isn’t fertile, as his testosterone levels are quite substantial! We would only be able to check him under anesthesia, and at this point to check for only that would not be worthwhile. While AI techniques have been used with pandas, generally speaking, AI is not nearly as successful as natural breeding.
Well maybe next time Love watching them from work i check on them all the time thanks for letting the world in. Sacramento Ca
I was just wondering why Chinook’s nickname is “The Stalker”? Thanks!
JoAnne responds: Chinook got that nickname when she was younger and would slowly follow keepers around the back area, keeping a watchful eye. It’s probably not correct so much anymore as we now see that she just loves spending time with her favorite keepers, just hanging out!
It’s really evident to me in that ultrasound video that she’s not at all worried about the procedure and that what she really likes is hanging out with all the girlz.
What a happy rainy day the bears had yesterday, and what a great show twins did in the water. They seem to love rain, perhaps it reminds them of snow, they may think half a loaf is better than none. I wonder what they was doing at the tree trunk. At first Kalluk was scratching or clawing something on it, of course Tatqiq was very interested and at the other side of trunk she stood even on her tiptoes to see Kalluk better, then she couldn’t resist anymore, came near to Kalluk and convinced him to let her doing that same thing instead of him. Then she was called to the fence and she run enthusiastically. It was funny. Have keepers spread the trunk with something or there were some insects or ants on it? At other times I have already seen them acting at the trunk but didn’t know what.
JoAnne responds: The logs gets soggy and squishy in the rain, so the bears have fun being compost machines.
Compost machines, LOL, I like it. Thank you Joanne.
You know, not sure if it’s just my luck, or what, but evertime I check the webcam, I never see 3 bears. I never even see 2 bears at a time anymore. I only ever see 1.
Are the 3 staying away from eachother right now ? Or is it just my luck ?
JoAnne responds: Unfortunately, just your luck! This morning Kalluk and Tatqiq were playing in the pool just where Chinook was laying, eating carrots.
I saw all three yesterday or the day before. The siblings in the water and Chinook walking around and eating carrots!
Wow! Chinook and Kalluk aren’t wasting any time. She’s going around rubbing her lovely scent against everything, and he’s taking in the fragrance of every dainty footstep. In December, they’re already warm for each others’ forms!
Someone is doing some serious digging in the dirt for a comfy bed, palms and all! I love watching them make their beds. Just like me. Everything has to be just right, adjust the pillow/palm, move the blanket/burlap. lol
I was checking in on my friends the Polar bears and what a pleasant view the vistors were getting from a dirty, dirty, dirty polar bear. They are so silly.
Loving the “brown” polar bears. They are watching the reindeer next door and digging in the dirt.
I know this is a bit off topic, but I just saw a video of an abandoned polar bear cub living in Denmark. The title of the video is aptly named “white, fuzzy, and cute all over: Polar bear born in Denmark.” My heart is melted after watching the video.
Note to moderator: Please edit the link if permissible
http://link(dot)brightcove(dot)com/services/player/bcpid34762914001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAB_wnNRk~,WN9MweAQd_tBaI99JKgDAcW3bUx7peWv&bctid=1340916075001
He’s here:
http://ullijseisbaeren(dot)wordpress(dot)com/zoo-nachrichten/europa-mit-dem-asiatischen-teil-russlands/kolind-eisbarenjungtier-wird-im-skandinavisk-dyrepark-mit-der-hand-aufgezogen/
There’s English translation. His name is “Siku”
Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas to everyone at SDZ, both two and four footed, those with wings and those who crawl! A festive and joyful season to all! xo
Merry Christmas to the bears! … Oh, and to the bearkeepers, too!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL THREE POLAR BEARS!!
Chari
Merry Christmas to the bears and to everybody!
Happy Happy Christmas to the bears and their keepers.
To all the keepers, researchers, staff, and everyone that takes care of the zoo Have a Great New Year….and to the dirty Polar Bears you always look like you are having fun……Hope to see a cub I have my fingers crossed and my toes.
Thanks for the hard work in conservation of all species of animals without you we would not have them to see.
I by chance logged into the the plunge and got a big kick I belive Kalluk and Chinook are playing in the water its 9:30 pm pitch black out except for the great lights in the plunge this is a first for me never saw them playing in the dark is it almost mateing time? Hope all is well Barbara from Phx
Neato cam shot of a big ol’ spider building it’s web.
Just came in on the rear view of Kalluk scarfing down snacks. I must say he does have a very handsome bottom these days.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL 3 POLAR BEARS AND THEIR SDZ KEEPERS!! Have a great 2012 and hoping that Chinook will FINALLY be pregnant and have 1 or 2 cubs late next year!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
I wish a very Happy New Year to the polar bears, staff members and to all bear lovers.
It looks like mating season may have come a bit early for Kalluk? I’ve noticed that he’s been doing his frustration dance again, the same one it took him a bit longer to snap out of after last breeding season. Don’t worry Kalluk, Chinook will notice you soon! Is there any reason that the camera always moves off him when he’s doing this?
Moderator’s note: Polar Cam is a “family channel.”
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
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Hi there zookeepers….Are y’all sure you have “Polar Bears” in your exhibit??? I sure am seeing a lot of “Brown” Bears lately or are they all incognito…Gotta luv them bears!!!
Am wondering if polar bear brothers & sisters ever mate….
(lol) I keep thinking that Tatqiq is preggie–due to her ‘TeleTubby’ shaped body. And, has Tatqiq ever had a cub?
Moderator’s note: Tatqiq has never had any cubs, as the only adult male she has been with is her brother, Kalluk. To prevent breeding between the siblings, Tatqiq has a contraceptive implant.
Surely Kalluk would have better manners than that!
Kalluk really loves his Greens & scarfs them down before carrots, when offered. Is there some reason that green veggies aren’t offered as often as carrots??
JoAnne responds: Yes, Kalluk loves his romaine lettuce! Probably because he doesn’t get it in such quantities as the carrots. The carrots are also great teeth cleaners. If he had as much lettuce as the carrots, it may not seem to be such the high-ticket item.
Joanne, if wild polar bears eat kelp during the summer months ashore on occasion, is it possible to give the bears there the same thing along with their other veggies?
Fun question! Do all polar bears get beards or just the females? Is there a specific age that they acquire it? And is Tatqiq’s more prominent than Chinooks? I think I am watching Tatqiq playing with the stash pipe!
JoAnne responds: More to the point: do only females in zoos get the beautiful white beards? I have never seen them on females in the wild. My thought is that since in the cold arctic the under layer of fur is much denser and woolier, the longer guards hairs are not so prominent. The males proportionally have thicker necks, so perhaps that is why we don’t see it so well on them in zoos. Also during the annual molting time – now – both our girls seem to look a bit more bearded.
Thank you, JoAnne! Yes, they definitely look hairy under the chin! lol But it looks pretty too, like it might be silkier!
….I imagine that in the wild–polar bears catch & eat fish.
Have you ever considered stocking their ‘pond’ with live fish, to give them the ‘thrill of the hunt’ (& a treat with extra protein) ??
Everything I have ever read or heard about zoos indicates they all have a policy of never feeding a live animal to one of the zoo animals. Just FYI.
doesn’t stop the bears from catching any unlucky birds who fly into their area and don’t get to fly out again as I’ve witnessed them doing in the past.
Oooohh, good question. Is this doable ?
My zoo does have live fish (bass) in the pools for the polar bears and brown bears… and yes, occasionally they do catch the fish…but it’s not their sole source of nutrition or enrichment items…
The trees are pretty and all… but wondering what’s up with the webcam this morning ?
okay. If they can’t have live fish….are ‘dead’ ones ever part of their diet ?
( seems that fish should be. )
In the wild, polar bears do not catch nor eat fish. Polar bears would not get enough calories to survive from fish, and while they are excellent swimmers, they cannot swim well enough to catch fish. That is why the ice is the most important hunting platform for polar bears, and seal blubber the most important source of food. In the past, when we did put live fish into the pool, it was a fairly anti-climatic treat. The bears would just herd them into the shallows and gobble them up. However, unfortunate wild ducks will fly into the exhibit and often don’t fly out. . .if you get what I mean!
Joanne: I understand that bears do not actually go into “hibernation” as we were taught back in grade school, but actually a deep nap that they can wake from and go out and walk about. And I know that the bears in zoos do not go into hibernation because they have food provided for them daily…. However, I was wondering if the zoo kept bear’s respiration and hearbeat slow down during the cold weather months? Also… would it be correct to state that brown/grizzlies, and black bears go into “walking hibernation” as the male polar bears? Thank you!
I would think female bears(all species) who are pregnant den up and remain so till spring while the males/females who are not expecting, for the most part do as well except of course for the polar bears who hunt during the winter.
Oh my Chinook! You little tease!
Poor Kalluk is frustrated! And Miss Princess Tatqiq just takes it all in stride! Love my 3 little bears! 
Bon~ You seem to know…..
HOW do you tell Chinook and Tatqiq apart ??
( To me, they look alike — but Kalluk is easily identified.)
Is Lil Missy Chinook ok? She was sleepin’ on the dirt pile, then all of a sudden jumped up! like something spooked her..& now she’s just standing over near the water just looking around. I hope she’s ok
Have a good week-end my 3 little bears (bear keepers too)! xo 
A few weeks ago I was bitten by an unidentified insect in the garden…the bites itched like hell and I inflicted quite a nasty wound scratching ( in fact a visit to the doc resulted) What I’m wondering is Ive just seen one of the bears having a right old scratch and as their claws are somewhat more vicious than my fingernails…do they ever wound themselves scratching ??
has Kalluk been doing his mating dance?
I saw him doing it just now while Chinook was resting in one of the dirt areas. Poor boy so frustrated with her.
Oh my goodness! Is that Chinook taking a major dirt bath in the bed closest to the reindeer enclosure? They are rubbing their face in the dirt and absolutely covered, not to mention having the time of their life! Do they ever get eye infections from getting dirt or something in their eyes when doing this and if so, how to you handle treating eyes? Do you have a trained procedure for that, have to sedate them or first try antibiotics? I never thought of until watching this and then remembering my cat having an eye infection and how hard it was to treat her. Nothing compared to trying to treat a Polar Bear!! Yikes!
chinook is such a dirty brown color instead of polar bear white right now. lol…….
I haven’t seen the bears in the water lately but always seem to be snoozing on the rocks or laying in the dirt! what a stress free, easy life they all lead! they do not know how lucky they are to have all their needs taken care of! medical and food, and a nice ice free pool with toys,balls, tubes, and bones included. and someone who cleans their pool everyday. no one can say poor bears!!! they got it made!
Is it Chinook or Tatqiq who has the TeleTubby body shape ??
….Or is there a better way to tell them apart.
It is probably Chinook who appears to be tubby in appearance. she doesn’t seem to loose much of her preparation fat for cubs each time she comes in season.. Does help in telling her and Tatqiq apart though
Yes, Chinook is chubby, Tatqiq is slim and tall and has longer neck, she walks and moves gracefully like a big cat. Chinook has round eyes and high-set round ears, Tatqiq has almond-shaped eyes and low-set triangle shaped ears like Kalluks’.
When Chinook was taken off birth control, her body shape changed. Now she has hips for child-bearing!
I recognize Tatqiq by her face. If you see her in profile, she has a distinct knot at the top of her head, and a definite crease backward along her skull. Her eyes appear a bit slanted. Also it seems to me that Chinook’s ears are set a little higher on her head.
So then it is Tatqiq who drapes herself in the palm fronds – yes?
Yes.
From this vantage point where one of our lovely bears is resting in the mulch pit, it looks as if there is a break in the fence between the deers and the bears. Can either the bears or the deer make it to the others area, or is there a deep, large moat separating the two ?
Moderator’s note: There is a deep, large moat separating them.
We hope all the polar bears are Ok. I saw one of them about 10 minutes ago by the edge of the pool continuously walking forward and then back to the edge over and over. I hope he/she is just exercising and nothing wrong or ailing it. It was just strange to watch.
Moderator’s note: We often see a bit of wandering behavior from Kalluk as we approach breeding time. Just another indicator of hormones shifting!
I was just wondering, how do you tell who is who between the bears, I know there is one that looks like she is pregnant cause her stomach is huge, but i am not sure how to tell the others apart.
The other two are brother and sister. They can look much alike in the face, but the male Kalluk is much larger than his sister. Sometimes it can be hard to tell, but her body is compact and agile, whereas he truly does move around with a lumber.
Today I saw something I’ve never seen before – Chinook and Kalluk playing in the water! It was so fun to watch. She seemed to be very playful and actually interested in Kalluk. Then after meat time, I saw Kalluk passed out on the concrete, and Chinook walked by which was odd because for weeks either Tatqiq and Kalluk came out on exhibit for the night after they ate inside, or Chinook. Combining all of that with the fact that Kalluk has been passed out for hours and not doing his frustration dance on land or water frustration dance, has breeding season finally hit for Chinook and mating started, and you’re trying to keep them together as much as possible?? That would be very exciting!
Wondering…. Anyone know WHAT they find so exciting, swimming constantly, underneath that ledge ?? ( Is it just that they like the ‘caveness’ feeling of it, maybe ?)
It is 3:30 p.m. here in California and I am watching one of the bears keep diving under the hard area like he’s looking for something. Could one of their toys be under there and he/she is trying to get it out? It’s funny to watch ‘cuz he/she comes up empty handed every time and just keeps going back for more.
Moderator’s note: It sounds like they are going after some treasure in their “stash pipe.” For more info, be sure to read the post Polar Bears’ Stash.
Thanks for your quick reply – mystery solved – they indeed do find many thngs to keep themselves busy, don’t they? They are sooo fun to watch, especially in the pool with all of their toys! Thanks again and for all the good work you all do to keep all the animals at the Zoo happy and content.
Moderator’s note: You’re welcome. And I agree–they are such fun to watch!
Yippee! Fresh palm fronds!
I rarely see this, but I think it is Tatqiq who is sunbathing on top of the structure. She has even posed a few different positions for herself–front legs stretched and her belly side exposed so she gets the maximizing warming effect. She seems to prefer stretching her front right leg and paw, and even has it up in mid-air for quite a while. Never seen this before! What an interesting sight!
Quite a prima donna, isn’t she?
Somebear is enjoying a leisurely day under one of the overhangs. A blink here and there to check the surroundings, then eyes shut………..
What is going on with this bear’s back? It looks like there’s a hole in his back.
Moderator’s note: That bare patch you’re seeing is on Tatqiq’s back. It is a shaved spot where an intrascapular contraceptive device was placed. Just shows you how black a polar bear’s skin is.
Kool
Thanks.
Off topic but had to say how superb the Pangolin video is…always thought Pangolins are one of natures more unusual animals – a mammal that looks reptilian. And Adhama is becoming a real star…Pity we cant get web cams on a few more of the animals…..
Moderator’s note: I’ll pass along your compliments to our keeper and videographer (and Baba the pangolin, too!).
I am watching the cam and one of the bears is taking 4 or 5 steps forward and then backwards all the while shaking his-her head. She looks distressed, is she OK???
Moderator’s note: Most likely it was Kalluk, who sometimes get agitated as breeding season gets closer.
I think I see some courtin’ behavior going on.
awwww…..
I don’t see what info is missing.
Moderator’s note: ???
Just watched Chinook and Kalluk. She was sitting in the corner, looking rather forlorn. Kalluk approached politely, but she gave him one look and he backed off. He hung around a minute, but the answer was definitely NO. I figure maybe she’s pre-menstrual and absolutely NOT IN THE MOOD! ;o)
As much as I love seeing my favorite polar bear being so active having a ton of fun playing in the water with Kalluk and spending lots of time (including nighttime) with him, I can’t help but think about Tatqiq. How does she handle this time of year when breeding season hits? Is it hard on her losing her wrestling buddy and dirt napping companion for a few months while he works on creating the cutest cub(s) anyone has ever seen? Is she getting any special attention from the keepers or treats?
Moderator’s note: Yes, Tatqiq receives special social time off exhibit with her keepers.
I am glad that Tatqiq receive special attention from her keepers these weeks. She had shown some signs of jealousy at the beginning of the year. It was touching when one afternoon she and Kalluk were sleeping in the sand in front of the fence for a long time with Tatqiq’s paw on Kalluk’s. She is my favorite. It is not planned to bring one more male bear and he could spend all year with Chinook except the breeding season when he would be with Tatqiq while Chinook with Kalluk?
Although it’s possible that in the future Tatqiq might be needed for breeding, right now she is not. The Polar Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP) looks at what is necessary to keep a population genetically healthy and what is best for each animal.
Someone said there is no such thing there are no stupid questions I hope that this is not one of those!!!! I know that when you do Chinooks ultra sounds shes in a cage for protection of the keepers right? All the bears keepers have been with them for a long time are you guys ever able to touch the bears? Just wondering I would have a hard time keeping my hands off of them kinda like petting my cat. They trust you can you pet them or is it hands off? They have all been together for such a long time you all must form relationships with them maybe Joanne can respond shes one luck lady being so close to the fab three. Like i said good thing I cannot get close to them I just want top give them a big “bear hug” Just wondering thanks every one Barbara in Phoenix
…. Yes. I’m also curious, & wondering if keepers can touch or pet any of the bears, due to their daily familiarity with each other.
They look sooo cuddly (difficult to imagine them vicious) !!
I’m not a zookeeper, but I doubt it. The bear has his/her space on the other side of the bars, and the keeper respects that, just has the bear also respects the separation. Bears have personal space, just like humans do. By maintaining that it feels safe for everyone and everybear.
I am curious about the polar bear’s diet in captivity vs. in the wild. Perhaps could the moderator pass along to the polar team team to do a blog about this? Thanks!
…. I see a tiny black spot (birthmark ?) under the left eye of a female bear.
Is that a good mark to identify Chinook, or is it only a temporary dirty spot??
Moderator’s note: It is indeed an identifying spot
Any thoughts of doing a new blog?
Hopefully, Kalluk will give Chinook a nice Valentine’s Day present….
( & she’ll appreciate it.)
….Or, better yet — She’ll give Him a surprise present
that he’s been hoping for since last year.
Which bear has a tendency to lie under the rock shelf in the shade with palm fronds under them? I can’t tell which female (if it isn’t Kalluk) because of the angle they are in! They sure look comfy!
JoAnne responds: That has always been Tatqiq’s favorite napping spot!
I’m with her! I am not a sun lover! lol Move over Tatqiq! xx
….are Kalluk’s (‘Moonwalking’) dance steps near Chinook his version of wooing her ? Or, is he just working out his frustration ?
That’s poor Kalluk’s frustration dance. I hope that Chinook will reciprocate and put him out of his misery soon!
She was letting him get closer yesterday and wanting him to follow her, but then they both got distracted by food.
Aagh! Darn those tasty treats! They need to set their priorities straight! =)
….wondering if ever a Female Viagra for polar bears has been tried (?)
I don’t think Chinook need Viagra, she obviously love Kalluk nowadays. I saw them hugging each other several times and often Chinook who the initiator. Once, for example, Chinook went to Kalluk who was lying and Chinook sniffed or kissed him seductively while Kalluk remained lying as if too tired for other things and only hugged her by lifting and placing his paws around her neck. They were cute.
Today, I see a largish black spot on Kalluk’s neck back. Do you know what caused this ?
Moderator’s note: Keepers say Kalluk’s bare patch is the result of some friendly courtship “necking.”
A close-up of Kalluk just now. He looked more bored than love-sick. Are we waiting for Chinook’s hormones to kick in?
I’ve noticed one of the bears seems to have alot of white foam/spit around its mouth today. Never seen that before. What is it?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to the Polar Bear Team.
Yes….it was very obvious this morning.
Maybe it’s a sign Chinook’s in heat (?)
Or, sick ??
I’ve only recently disocvered this web cam and am hooked! THIS is reality TV! I am curious – I only see them eating carrots. What else do they eat?
Moderator’s note: Welcome to the wonderful world of our Polar Cam, Maria! Polar bears at the San Diego Zoo are offered a ground meat product made for zoo carnivores, dog kibble, trout and other fish, as well as root vegetables and lettuce. Cow femur bones and thawed rabbits are added once or twice per week. They LOVE their carrots and lettuce and can fill up and not put on added an fat layer that would have them too warm in San Diego. Polar bears get very little, if any, nutrition or calories from vegetation, so it’s a wonderful tool for us to let them eat as much as they like and still be in good condition.
being on the east coast we get daylight 3 hrs before you…the light in the pool use to be left on and it was a real joy watching them swim in the middle of the night there (my wake up for work time here)…is ther any reason the light is not left on anymore?…sure do miss it
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Polar Bear Team.
The pool lights are on timers and are only on when the Zoo is open or for maintenance. We are all turning lights off when not needed to lower carbon footprints!
Wow! Neck-nipping just now. Chinook was trying to prevent Kalluk from retiring to his “bedroom” and wanted him to follow her instead. Maybe she needs to offer him a beer, so he can relax.
It’s so frustrating when the bears walk off-camera & video doesn’t track them. It would be so helpful if we had the ability to “Pan” their habitat ourselves.
Is this camera feature feasible ??
Moderator’s note: No, instead our cams are operated by a wonderful volunteer crew that has to keep their eyes on ALL of the cams at once.
We are so grateful for their help.
….sounds like a fun (volunteer) job !
(lol) How can I apply ??
Moderator’s note: For those interested in our many volunteer opportunities, please visit our Volunteer page at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/volunteer/
Some bear (Kalluk???) is swimming in the pool and displaying some great acrobatic skills while playing with a femur bone. First, it tucked the femur bone between its chin and chest while swimming backstrokes. Then it flipped over onto its belly side, and pushing forward the femur bone in water with its forehead while paddling with regular strokes. Once the bear reached the “shore”, it lifted its head above water with the femur bone balancing on top of the head. These athletic actions are being repeated over and over again, and I am getting quite entertained watching it on cam. Thank you to whichever bear that is! =)
Kalluk is very playful today! He ‘s also been balancing the blue ball on his nose, then tossing it and chasing after it. Big boy is full of fun today.
I hope he adds it to his repertoire because I missed it. I like that sometimes Kalluk not „only” plays with objects but invents skill tasks for himself.
This sounds like Chinook back to her laps again, only adding her beloved femur bone to it! Wish I had seen it!
Debi,
I think it was Kalluk. I was sneaking in a few peaks of the cam while at work, so I wasn’t absolutely certain. However, given the physical agility and the creativity of this exercise (like dreana commented on above), I am going to go with Kalluk. Of course, I could very well be wrong; but I am sure that the keepers and staff will be able to tell which bear did this yesterday.
Pretty sure it was Kalluk. He’s so much bigger…
Now, the bear is swimming ? Is he OK or he is drown?
Eleine~ They swim even better than us !
They HAVE TO — in order to catch their food.
….But looks like they do it here for fun also.
….An Excellent volunteer behind the video camera today !
(S)He keeps great tracking of the bears, & zooming in/out, etc.
Thanks for the effort !
I’ve been watching the adorable Siku on explore.org’s webcam, and noticed that he has a pinkish tongue. Is the black tongue a trait that develops with age in polar bears?
Great observation! Polar bears are born with pink skin and a pink tongue. The darker pigment usually starts around 6 months of age. The skin and tongue first begin to turn lighter and then gray-purple.
After watching some Danish TV segments on Siku the polar bear cub, I noticed, for the very first time, that the adult polar bears have dark-colored (dark grey?) claws as opposed to the light, whitish-color claws in a cub. How interesting it is that the bears’ developments can be seen in these small features on their bodies! Just as we humans mark the growth of infants as they develop into toddlers, I’m certain that these are used as markers for polar bears. It is so fun to observe and notice these things! =)
…. I doubt if Kalluk is rabid — so, WHY the white foam around mouth lately ??
Polar Bear Team responds: Nothing unusual there. Kalluk has always been a drooly bear, whether it is over his favorite food or his favorite girl.
I just watched a 30-minute show done by a Danish TV reporter on Siku. In it was SDZ’s very own knowledgeable and experienced keeper JoAnne Simerson!!! I saw JoAnne syringe-feeding Siku, and she worked alongside the director of Danish Wildlife Park as they fed Siku. JoAnne was able to share with them her experience in raising SDZ’s Kalluk and Tatqiq. Her experience was very much evident in this TV segment; Siku fell asleep comfortably and soundly as he rested his head in the palm of her hand. In the latter half of the show, Siku can be seen outside in the snow, learning how to use his limbs to crawl and move around as he investigates his surroundings.
I want to express my gratitude to keeper JoAnne for taking such great care of the polar bears at SDZ, and for being so generous by giving some of her time and sharing her experience with others. Thank you again.
Moderator’s note: I will pass along to JoAnne your kind words. We are lucky to have her!
Any idea what the show was called, what channel it was on, or if it is anywhere on the internet? I would love to see it!! Thanks!
Megan,
Here is a pseudo-link to the TV segment from the Denmark TV2 channel:
http://www (dot) tv2oj (dot) dk/arkiv/2012/02/14?video_id=25401&autoplay=1
In addition, it also has a Siku page on the Danish TV channel:
http://www (dot) tv2oj (dot) dk/siku
In the video described above, Siku had not yet learned to walk. So you will see him lying on its belly while trying to crawl on all four. =)
What a good website is the latter. Many video about Siku, thank you.
I am not surprised to find out that Joanne was called in to share her knowledge of “Bringing up baby PB’s”! She was one reason why I wanted to become a Docent at my zoo and now I get to share what I have learned (alot from her posts!) to our guests about our PB girls…. Maybe one day she’ll have the opportunity to come visit my zoo. Hopefully it’s because we have cubbies!!
Any possibility of an updated blog post? This one is over 3 months old now! Would love to hear a new one, especially since every time I peek at the video, the bears are off screen!
Moderator’s note: I’ll ask.
Debi~ ….tho, some days, we’re lucky to have the volunteer who keeps excellent track of the bears and pans their movements, so keep ‘peeking’.
I will! I seem to just be hitting it wrong, plus I know the cam is off the bears if they are mating, so this time of the year we get a bit less of bear viewing than say, the summer! I just miss them!
Hi! I just noticed that you haven’t written any new updates about Chinook, Kalluk, and Tatqiq since November, 2011. What have they been doing lately? Hoping that Kalluk and Chinook will be doing their mating dance soon now that it’s March. Spring is coming!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Is that Joanne with siku everyday? The website is polarbearcam.com you can watch siku everyday live from 9 to 11 everyday eastern standard time
Moderator’s note: No, JoAnne was in Denmark for just one week to assist.
Yesterday afternoon (EST) Chinook and Tatqiq were not getting along. They pushed at each other several times near one of the dens. Kalluk seemed to play mediator to keep the girls apart. Each of the bears appeared anxious for a while and pacing everywhere. Is this a case of hormones gone wild?
Of course, Chinook doesn’t know they’re siblings, so she may feel some urge for competition toward Tatqiq on a romance level. That, then, makes Kalluk anxious since he doesn’t see Tatqiq that way at all. Kalluk is caught in the middle, and you know how much guys like that! And Tatqiq is wondering if Chinook is in a bad mood and has PMS today. Meanwhile she wants her brother back to play with. It all makes sense if you get inside the bears’ minds.
Chinook has always been a good boss, and yes, there are certain, more hormonal times of the year when she’s very stern when getting her point across, but they always work out their differences without getting too rough.
Thank you!
I was just reading about a lonely polar bear called Yupi that lives in very poor conditions at the Morelia Zoo in Mexico. I was wondering if there is anything that your group can do to try and help rescue this poor lonely bear.
She’s not the only one. Read this from Ulli: “[There] are in Russia, the Ukraine and Kazakhstan – and the indoor enclosures in China belong to them too. One should tell her that if we want to help the polar bears in zoos we should start with the bears in Perm who don’t even have a water pool to swim and live in small cages or with the bears in Seversk Zoo or in Zoo Naltschik or in Tallinn.”
just reading your posts my heart sank. I can’t understand how anyone could deprive these magnificent bears of as good a life as us humans can give and protect them not be a venue to make money off of. I thank God for San Diego Zoo, the wild animal park and all places like them that spend that money they collect on making the bears comfy and still being able to study and observe them…getting off my soap box very sadly.
Chinook seems to really be enjoying daylight savings time and has been doing her early morning laps in the pool! Is the lap swimming (complete with backwards flip turns) a trait unique to sweet Chinook, or is this common among polar bears in captivity?
I’m sure you’ve noticed that each of our bears has a distinctly different personality, from the types of enrichment they most enjoy to the parts of the exhibit they prefer to hang out in. Chinook has certainly been true to her marine-mammal status as of late by enjoying a lot of time in the pool. As far as her swimming style being unique for polar bears, I’m not sure we’ll be naming any strokes after her anytime soon
Can we have an updated (new blog) please — is it breeding season yet? Looks like the pandas are getting ready to breed…
Thanks!!
Moderator’s note: We are due for a new one, aren’t we? I’ll ask.
chinook & kalluk seem to be very close today… sleeping close to each other and tonight he is even resting his head on her hip. very sweet.
I just came across something that set my heart ablaze and my wallet running in fear – an old auction (and blog post I subsequently found about all three of the bears’ painting skills) for a beautiful piece of artwork created by Chinook! Are there any plans to do more and sell at online auctions? I would pay way more than I ever should to own an original paw print painting by Chinook!!
Moderator’s note: I’ll see what I can find out for you, Megan. The paw print artwork is pretty wonderful!
Thank you for your feedback. There are no plans at this time to make more polar bear paintings; however, we would love to do them again for future auctions. You can still support Kalluk, Tatqiq, and Chinook with our Adopt an Animal program by visiting http://www.sandiegozoo.org/adopt/animal.html
Please feel free to call us at 619.231.1515, ext. 4055, for more information about the Adopt an Animal program or any of our other programs.
As of now, we have no painting sessions planned. Animal artwork is generally reserved for auctions associated with Zoo fundraising events such as RITZ and The Food & Wine Celebration. If a time comes that we have prints available, we’ll be sure to let our dedicated blog community know.
….IF I were a polar bear — I’d love living in this fun, diverse landscape !
(Missing only some snow & ice, maybe.)
How does our S.D. Zoo’s polar bear habitat rate among the other top zoos ?
It should be #1.
Was there a particular reason why the Facebook “Likes” counter was switched from polar bear specific to zoo-wide?
Also waiting for new blog post… we can only infer so much from what we see on the camera
CJSF
Web Team responds: This was done to allow fans to like the Zoo page as a whole rather than polar bears specifically.
After seeing the bloody fight between two male polar bears for the right to breed with a female on Frozen Planet, I sure am glad that Kalluk only has to fight Chinook’s sassyness in order to mate with her!!
OMG… was aghast to see that poor bloodied bear on FP. But he did get the girl and kept her in the end. This morning at around 6:30 Chinook was doing laps in the plunge and there was Kalluk watching from the shore. Poor boy… one of these days….
Ive been thinking about the fact that polar bears have been virtually taken out of one extreme of temperature to live in and moved to an extreme temperature environment at the other end of the scale ( san diego is almost desert isnt it ?) and I’m wondering if there is any mammal that can survive being transferred from a very hot clime to live in a cold one… I can’t see elephants, giraffes or rhinos living in a zoo in the open in Alaska for example….
Moderator’s note: You are correct that not all animals can survive from one extreme to another. At our Zoo, you may be surprised to know there are different microclimates that we keep in mind when deciding where to place a species. For example, our polar bears live in the coolest part of the Zoo: very shaded and breezy. Our Panda Canyon, as another example, is usually 10 degrees cooler than the Zoo’s Front Plaza, where our flamingos live.
Hi JoGGer: Just to add to our Moderator’s note…. here in Ohio we have a conservation park similar to SDZ’s Safari Park, but on a much smaller scale. We have giraffes, zebras, and rhinos all living there. In the cold winter months, the keepers open up the barns so the “warm weather” animals can stay toasty warm. The park actually closes down to the public for those cold months since the majority of the animals are all inside their barns…The animals do just fine and are happy and healthy…
in 2001 we visited the zoo and I saw a large bear rolling the ball into the water then pushing it back up. I also saw two smaller bears hanging around where their bedroom opening is now. based on the timeframe the large bear couldn’t have been kalluk. Was there another large bear that played ball like that. back and forth and it would follow the ball into the water. I sat for at least a half hour in amazement.
Moderator’s note: Before Kalluk and Tatqiq moved to San Diego, we had another polar bear pair: Buzz and Neil. They were two males who lived with Chinook and Shikari from 1997 to 2001. In December 2001, Buzz and Neil moved to the Como Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Just a suggestion mod I dont know if its techincally feasible..I know we can’t have all animals covered by cams…what would be the chance of a mobile cam around the zoo ?? It could let us see the animals we don’t normally get on cam…insects, fish, reptiles…..I never exect to be able to get to san diego ( fear of a little thing called aeroplanes) and zoos in the uk dont seem to have the large animals like polar bears or the bigger crocs now….. ( my nearest zoo certainly doesnt apparently the cost of polar bear upkeep is far too much) so a person going to different parts of the zoo with a cam as if we were there ourselves would be great….
Moderator’s note: That would be fun, wouldn’t it? But for now, we hope you can enjoy some of our animals via our video channels: http://sandiegozoo.org/videos/
I have read that there is a polar bear named Walker living in the Highlind Wildlife Park in Scotland. Poor thing is living alone. Strange that UK is so economical on large animals, much poorer countries like Hungary have more polar bears.
The Highlands Wildlife Park was considered a huge improvement over the arrangement at the Edinburgh Zoo. The Scots actually donated the money to move Mercedes there. Then Walker was added. He was initially there with her, but she was much older and rather intimidated him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1Ity_f1e2o
Mercedes died last year, and I believe he relaxed quite a lot with her not there. He’s only about 3 1/2 years old, so not quite ready for romance yet. I think they’re looking hard for a girlfriend for him or maybe even have somebear in mind. Keep an eye on the situation.
I believe that after Mercedes died the zoo had intended pairing Walker with a Polar bear from a Dutch zoo. However, in the interim, she became pregnant in the Netherlands, so that fell through. Walker seems quite happy on his own at present.
As far as I know the bear up in scotland is named Mercedes …
I do wonder what conditions some bears live in in captivity. Vicks in one of the dutch zoos however seems to be growing up very well.
Vicks’ mother, Olinka, is a very experienced mother although she was also a good mother from the start. Very doting. She’s had six cubs in ten years and knows all the motherhood stuff.
Actually, Mercedes the polar bear was put down by the Edinburgh Zoo within the last year. So, yes, poster dreana is right that Walker is all alone at the zoo.
www (dot) telegraph (dot) co (dot) uk/earth/wildlife/8453277/Mercedes-the-polar-bear-put-down-by-Edinburgh-Zoo.html
Mod how about a video request spot for those of us who cant get to the zoo ??
Moderator’s note: Did you see the one from July with the bears enjoying snow? http://bcove.me/bamqvorj
Yes its nice to see the bears having their ice days….
Ive got a hankering to see what san diegos aardvarks get up to mod…couldn’t seem to find any ….I know they’re anteaters normally found in south africa… but the video of baba the pangolin perked my interest in ant eaters for some reason….
Moderator’s note: We may have an aardvark at the Safari Park. I’ll check.
Yes, the Safari Park has a young aardvark who serves are one of our animal ambassadors. His name is Danny.
Which duo is in the pool right now? I think Kalluk is one, but I am not sure which other one is doing laps. I think it might be Tatqiq because earlier they were following each other and sometimes biting or nipping each other. That seems like a brother-sister thing. I saw the camera scan around and didn’t see a third polar bear.
I have only been to the San Diego Zoo twice (two consecutive days) and enjoyed it. I hope some day I will be able to come back. Good luck and hope to see some little polar bears some day.
I too saw the two bears you mentioned, and could not tell which one is the female bear either. (I actually thought it might have been Chinook at one point because Kalluk was exhibiting some sort of “frustration dance” behaviors…) I watched consecutively for about 15-20 minutes on Saturday, and these two bears were playful and fun to watch! It was one of those times that I wish I were one of the visitors standing by the viewing glass as the bears played and swam. Much to the delight of the visitors, they interacted and played for such an extended period of time that many were glued to the glass for a long, long time. What fun afternoon it was for the bears and the visitors!
FYI….Right now, March 26th, at 3:30 pm CA time,
the one laying next to back wall is Chinook, next to Kalluk.
To ID her: She has the little black ‘birthmark’ under her left eye.
And, she’s the one who loves the continual upside down laps towards the window.
Tatquik, I believe, isn’t around much lately due to Chinook’s possible breeding w/ Kalluk.
Shame to hear about Mercedes she spent such a lot time on her own too….. I cant really think of anything sadder than an animal on its own…
Nice to see there are however plans to breed bears here in the UK… i hope that this time no bear is left on its own too long. Apparently Mercedes was 30 years old which according to reports is a good age for a bear….
Mercedes was not yet 27, but much crippled with arthritis. She wasn’t moving around much at all, so evidently in a lot of pain.
March 28th, 2:15PM, PDT: I wonder what was in the gunny sack / burlap, because there is one bear (Kalluk, I believe) sitting in front of the door and licking it clean!
awwwww…. snuggled together napping on the beach!
We all know Chinook and Kalluk are the cutest polar bear couple ever, but now there is photographic evidence in the form of a collage I made (thanks to my friend Austin Smith who has been sending me pics from the webcam when I’m unable to watch)… prepare to melt!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23475842@N03/7026831827/
Moderator’s note: I did! Thanks for sharing, Megan.
They are the cutest pictures, thank you
Thank you so much for those fabulous pics!
Returning to the Polar Bear on his own in Scotland. A mate has been found as seen on this link – replace (dot) with (.) to read the news. www(dot)highlandwildlifepark(dot)org/news.htm. Hope this works ok.
Not a mate in the sense of a girlfriend. They’re both young males.
Sorry! Meant to write male mate for Walker. They met successfully today at the Highland Wildlife Park Kincraig.
.
There’s a video now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPsrLPbtPLY
They apparently carried on in this manner all day until they were tired around 4 p.m. Arktos was unhappy when they were separated at bedtime. I think they’ve both felt a little lonely, so having a mate — in the British sense — is a fabulous thing for both of them.
You can read the whole story on Ulli’s website:
ullijseisbaeren (dot) wordpress.com/zoo-nachrichten/europa-mit-dem-asiatischen-teil-russlands/hannover-arktos-zieht-in-die-highlands/
I’ve just done the English translation, so if it’s not there yet, it soon will be.
Congrats. I like too that all European polar bear are listed by country with photos and genealogical tree of each bear.
10:41AM, PDT–I just saw ALL THREE bears in the exhibit!!! How exiting to see them all together! I hope this will be a fun, playful day for everyone!
Poor Tatqiq. Kalluk just chased her away from the area and she looks so much like she wants to be with and play with the other two. She doesn’t even get a chance to swim. Not fair.
Maybe Tatqiq will get a chance at the plunge while the love birds are busy nuzzling and cuddling… tho it would be nice if Kalluk took a minute to play!
Oh, that Chinook! She’s got the big guy doting on her big time! And she’s even letting him get close to her very special scent ’round the back. It’s almost time to start hoping again.
I just realized, after watching these three fantastic bears for months and months, I do not know if they each have their own “bedrooms”? If so, do they retire to their own respective bedrooms or switch off? How do the bear bedroom assignments work? Thanx!
The bears do not have their own specific bedrooms. Generally, the only times they are closed in the bedrooms are for feeding, to ensure that each bear gets their prescribed diet, and for exhibit-cleaning purposes. Each room has a perk, be it a pool, a hammock, different bedding substrate, or a window to peek in on the keepers working in the kitchen, and we do find the bears picking favorite spots when they have access to several of those room choices. Who goes into which rooms changes seasonally. As you can imagine in times like these (i.e., breeding season), Kalluk is most comfortable when he has a clear view of Chinook. Other times of the year Kalluk and Tatqiq share multiple rooms and spend the morning running around, dunking each other in the indoor pool.
….it’s Monday a.m. (April 9th)–it sure looks like a polar bear walking around the other (deer ?) enclosure! Could that be Tatqiq??? (lost or a runaway)
Moderator’s note: Perhaps you saw her in what keepers call Polar Bear Park, which is a lush area behind the main exhibit that we can use for polar bear private time or for possible cubs.
Because she’s been missing in regular enclosure w/ Kalluk this a.m., guess that’s where she is. Thanx for reply.
Kalluk is at the table in the plunge today. I always imagine he’s waiting for someone to deliver him a cocktail!!
)
How’s Boris the reindeer doing mod ? We dont seem to have heard anything about him for ages ? and whats the Mods name…you ought to say or some smart ass may come along and give you one… how do you fancy being called Grumbledook ??
Moderator’s note: Boris is doing just dandy.
Wasn’t sure if this is permitted or not, if so please post.
If our 3 bears are off camera, There is now a cam to watch Siku, he was born November 22, 2011 to Ilka, the female polar bear at Scandinavian Wildlife Park, Denmark. He is so full of energy and a joy to watch his antics. http://www.polarbearcam.com
Hmmm, wonder if Kalluk and Miss Shinook were to watch him for awhile they might take the hint
This past Monday I watched America the Wild with Casey Anderson, and he was comparing grizzly bears and polar bears, and it showed how the wild polar bears would push/pounce on the ice to hunt seals, which is exactly what I have seen Tatqiq do to her toys (I always thought it looked more like she was trying to give her toys CPR haha). Is Tatqiq actually displaying some sort of instinctual behavior?
I have noticed one of the polar bears does a dance step (forward and and then back) in the same place repeatedly, sometimes. Do you know why they do that and which bear it is?
Moderator’s note: That’s Kalluk. You can read about this behavior in the blog Polar Bear Dance.
Just patiently waiting on an update on our bears, please, please, please.
Sometimes, as now a few minutes ago Tatqiq scares me. She was lying prone on elbows on the rock shelf and was panting so heavily that her breath rate was over 100 per minute and she closed her eyes as one who is around on the edge of fainting, thus she was certainly overheated, however she didn’t go to cool herself only after quite a long time. Why she is doing this, why she waits until she feels bad?
Moderator’s note: Polar bears, like many animals, have more than one way to cool/warm themselves. While her behavior may have been cause for concern if it was happening to a human, please know that Tatqiq knows best what she needs and when.
Moderator — Am writing this in lieu of a non-current Blog on them,
to clear things up. This is my way of ID-ing the girls….
To ME– It’s “Chinook” who is mostly shown with Kalluk following closely behind her. And, She’s the one who loves doing constant upside-down laps to the visitor window, along with playing lengthily with balls, etc…in pool. She, playfully, bats Kalluk in his upper body, and loves to scuffle around with him. She likes to snooze by that back wall or in the dirt pad, usually with Kalluk nearby. And, she has a tiny black ‘birthmark’ under her left eye.
I hardly ever see who I assume is “Taqiq,” because of possible conflict during mating season nowadays, I understand. So, am I correct, or do I have to re-think things ?? Thanx in advance.
Moderator’s note: I’ll send this to the team, as they know the bears best.
All of that is correct about Chinook. However, as of late Tatqiq has also been playing in the pool with her toys at great length. During keeper work hours, all three bears do spend time in the main exhibit together, but often, because of where in the exhibit they choose to hang out, it can be difficult to view all three at the same time via Polar Cam.
hi, i never see the 3 polar bears together, there is always 1 alone and the other 2 in a separate part…are they separated and if so can you tell me why? thanks so much
Moderator’s note: Sometimes all three are together and sometimes Tatqiq gets the whole exhibit to herself to play in while Kalluk and Chinook rekindle their romance in the polar bear park area. It just depends on everyone’s moods!
How about setting the camera to look out to the pool area instead of the glass door each night? Early one morning at the beginning of this month it was set looking towards the pool and it was wonderful to watch the bears playing in the early morning light. At the very least leave us with a panorama of the exhibit not just a close up of the glass door and tree stump……please.
I’m on the east coast and watch them every morning. It’s usually around 6:30AM PST they are playing in the water (Or Kalluk watching Chinook do laps!). It’s so awesome to watch them have fun
And how cute is it to see Tatqiq laying on the rocks with her sack? Sorry to butt in with the comments… I agree about the webcams in the early morning!
I agree, that would be nice. Just a reminder… there are those of us who watch 24/7. Also, a thank you to the volunteers who man the cameras. Recently it has been especially terrific to watch the antics in the plunge.
I think Kalluk just got lucky????
How about a new blog with some updates…it’s been almost 5 months.
Moderator’s note: One is in the works, at last
….Has Chinook responded yet to Kalluk’s courting behavior of his head-swaying, ‘Moonwalk’ dancing antics in front of her ??
(Someone said last Saturday, noontime.)
It would be nice to have an ongoing blog to inform us of these bears habits, the behaviors they are exhibiting, and what they mean…Just watching a cam with no comments is really not giving us the education we as watchers would like. I visited the zoo a couple years ago, and loved the polar exhibit! Let’s make it more exciting to watch with comments about what’s happening!
I just watched Kalluk trying and failing to get a sniff at Chinook’s sexy bits. He was more persistent than usual, and she was giving him definite drop-dead messages. Then suddenly she RAN away from him. Was she just fed up, or was she giving him a “if you want me, you’re going to have to chase me” signal?