Plunging into the Cold
Posted at 4:41 pm December 8, 2008 by Kelly Murphy
San Diego saw its first glimpse at winter when snow fell at the San Diego Zoo’s Polar Bear Plunge. The snow was courtesy of WowWee Alive Cubs, and our bears couldn’t have been more appreciative. When Kalluk, Chinook, and Tatqiq stepped out into the white icy hill, you could almost see the smiles on their faces; you could definitely hear the laughter coming from our guests!
Tatqiq, left, and Chinook
Kalluk
By 11:30 a.m. all three bears were tuckered out and resting from the morning games. After their power naps, they would be back for more. Unfortunately, the snow doesn’t usually last for more than a few days, so we definitely appreciate the people who help to support our enrichment efforts.
While our polar bears enjoy spending some time in the snow, they have become quite acclimated to a warmer climate and never miss a meal. This is not the case for the polar bears left in the wild. We all need to work together and offer our support, because for them, it’s not enrichment but rather their way of life.
Kelly Murphy is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
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December 8th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Hi Kelly, Congratulations and Welcome Back!
When we arrived at the Polar Bear Plunge early on “Snow Day” Saturday morning, the viewing area was jam-packed with adoring fans. The three bears were very busy digging on three sides of the HUGE mountain of snow. They were looking for enrichment toys that had been hidden in the snow. Jo-Anne Simerson, was on hand lecturing and answering questions from the visitors, while she was watching the bears from a small elevated platform. She mentioned that the snow was a gift from WowWee Alive. Jo-Anne then asked the question “Does anyone know what is the body temperature of a polar bear?” Only one man in the crowd gave the correct reply – “it’s the same as humans, 98.6 degrees”. I learned some more facts about polar bears – The reason polar bears dig in the snow is to find kelp. It’s a veggie that they really love.
I also learned that their non-retractable claws allow them to dig, and also provide excellent traction on snow and ice.
After a while, we noticed that Chinook and Kalluk were digging towards each other from opposite sides of the snow mound. They didn’t realize this because they were busily digging and their heads were down in the snow. Suddenly Chinook’s cute face popped through the snow. Kalluk looked up and saw Chinook – they were nose-to-nose and both were very surprised. Everyone burst out laughing.
Finally, Kalluk’s digging was successful. He uncovered a black object but had difficulty pulling it out of the snow. No problem – he continued digging until he was able – with one great tug – to pull the black corrugated tube out of the hard snow. This shows what powerful strength these polar bears have. (Jo-Anne mentioned previously that they were hoping that another bear would find the other end so that they would have a “tube tug of war”.) Unfortunately, Kalluk was too fast and this did not happen.
By the way, at the entrance to the Polar Bear Plunge – there are two stainless steel statues. One statue is of a full grown polar bear and the other is of a smaller polar bear. These statues are now adorned with beautiful garlands and large red bows around their necks – so very beautiful. This is a beautiful spot for a photo opportunity.
We had a wonderful time at the Polar Bear Plunge. Many thanks to everyone who made this day possible.
December 9th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Rose N #1, I am so jealous. What a fantastically wonderful day you had. I was watching them on the cam for ages, and I wondered which bear was digging away so busily – now I know, it was Kalluk. At one point Kalluk was leaning on the doorway he had dug out with one of his legs in the air. That looked really funny. Sliding down the slope looked like fun too and I was in stitches over all the bears’ antics. They are beautiful.
Welcome back Kelly, you have been missed. Hope your little baby is doing well.#
December 9th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Tatqiq, Kalluk and Chinook really have a way of pulling at my heart strings — such endearing souls. They really had a wonderful time playing in the snow. I’m not sure who had more fun, us or them! Thank you so much for giving them (and us) such a wonderful Christmas present!
On another note, I think everyone saw the news that Knut is in need of a new home. Do we have room for another male bear? It would be nice for both girls to have a mate — and it sounds like Knut could use both the company and the great environment we could provide him.
Our Curator of Mammals responds: The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) manages polar bears in North American zoos, following the Polar Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP). Now that Knut may be needing a new home, we will ask the Polar Bear SSP coordinator to evaluate how to best support finding an appropriate new home for him.
December 9th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Well,I am glad they put snow in just in time!I am jealous.
December 9th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
You know, I wrote myself a note to check out the webcam on the 6th since the website stated it would be snow day for them. I so missed it, AGAIN !! Aurrgghhh !! I too am jealous of those that got to see them frolicking in the snow that day. But thanx for sharing their antics with us Kelly !! =)
December 9th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Hi Susan #2 – Of the three bears, Kalluk was the one who spent the most time on the snow mound – at least while were there. He would get into some interesting positions as you mentioned in your blog. One position everyone enjoyed was when Kalluk would literally stick his head in the hole and all we could see was his beautiful large derriere sticking up in the air
Don’t get me wrong, Chinook and Tatqiq, were also enjoying the snow while digging, sliding and doing some belly flops, etc. On occasion they would take a quick break and jump in the pool and quickly return to join Kalluk. They didn’t want to miss anything 
It was very obvious that the three bears get along very well and enjoy each other’s company.
December 10th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Our beautiful bears are national stars — one of the photos from their snow day this weekend is featured on MSNBC’s website under Animal Tracks. It’s my favorite photo of all three bears — with Kalluk’s head sticking out of the hole he dug. Pretty cool!
December 10th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I have seen them in the snow,making holes! So cute!
December 10th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Our fabulous bears sure had a ball on Saturday, digging and sliding and just having fun. It was quite a sight and a wonderful enrichment for them.
I’m in total agreement with Cheryl about Knut. It would be a wonderful thing if we could bring him to San Diego. Whenever I see him, he’s all alone. Wouldn’t it be great for him to be around other bears, especially Kalluk, Taqiq and Chinook, who seem to have about the best life possible.
December 10th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
This is such a fabulous day for the bears. They all look like they had fun and enjoyed each other’s company. Kalluk wins the gold star for digging in the snow, and I would love to see his face when he emerged from the other side of the hole, only to see his companions staring right back at him! The photos are beautiful, and they capture playfulness of these bears!
December 12th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
i love Kalluk, tatqiq, chinook
December 14th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Cheryl and Judy,
I also would love to see Knuti with a female polar bear companion. Because his mother didn’t know how to care for him, his only companions to this point in his life have been humans. He is a precious, gentle bear, who is alone in his enclosure. However, he does not lack for playmates. He has taught himself to throw his ball across the moat and across two fences (although it doesn’t always make it past both fences (LOL); his fans then get the ball and throw it back to him – this goes on over and over again. So he does have playmates. It’s obviously a lot of fun for Knuti!
I have heard San Francisco Zoo mentioned as a possibility for a future home for him; I would love to see him in San Diego Zoo, if that’s what is best for Knuti. What I have surmised is that US Zoos and European zoos do not exchange wild animals very often, if ever.
I just want what’s best for Knut!!!! As did his daddy, Thomas Döerflein.
Marie