Polar Bear Breeding Season
Posted at 4:01 pm February 2, 2009 by JoAnne Simerson
Inquiring minds want to know…yes, we are in polar bear breeding season! And yes, Kalluk and Chinook (pictured) have been, ahem, “amorous.” Phew! Now for some of the details…
We began to see behavior changes in mid-December that indicated Kalluk was having some hormonal fluctuations we attribute to breeding season for males. Chinook followed the beginning of January with her behavioral changes. We know quite little about polar bear breeding and exactly what occurs when, but from past experience it would seem the females fluctuate in their cycles. The fluctuations occur over a one- to two- week period with a 24- to 48-hour period of intensified behavior. The fluctuations show in behavior changes such as sleepy, grouchy, rambunctious, and solicitous! It seems this can last for a few months. Potentially, Kalluk and Chinook could be in this until June!
One of the changes we expected we’d make was to remove Kalluk’s sister, Tatqiq, from the other two. We are happy that everyone is doing really well together and even still playing together on some of the days the hormones don’t seem to be so high!
So at this point we won’t be taking Tatqiq out of the mix except for variability. We are keeping Chinook and Kalluk together 24 hours a day now. We watch them closely for any changes in behavior. At some point, Chinook will decide she is no longer interested in Kalluk’s advances, and then we’ll again make some changes depending on how each bear is behaving.
If this all sounds a bit like a roller coaster, you’re right! Like a rollercoaster we are having steep climbs, fast downhills, curves, slow-paced meandering, and surprises every day. Also, like a roller coaster at the end, we expect to say “wow! What a great ride!” We’ll keep you posted.
JoAnne Simerson is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
Watch the polar bears daily on Polar Cam!
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February 2nd, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Hmmm… sleepy, grouchy, rambunctious, and solicitous — well, those symptoms sound a bit familiar to me ; ) Thanks for the update — this is very exciting for everyone and I’m sure everyone at the SDZ is on pins and needles waiting to see what happens next. Here’s wishing Kalluk and Chinook a Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
… and by the way, how cute is that picture? What an adorable face — who wouldn’t want that face for their Valentine?
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
This is exciting news for all!!! I truly hope that Kalluk and Chinook will breed at some point this year. We’ll simply wait and see.
February 2nd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
How fun! They certainly are being very amorous, but the way you say it…have they been breeding at all? Not to pry into their private life (well, okay, I am!). Hormones and cycles fluctuating? Chinook and I have something in common! lol I feel for Kalluk, too, not knowing how she will act one day to another! But I am glad to hear the three bears are spending time together still! I also like that Kalluk and Chinook seem to have a cubby where they prefer to snuggle, which probably gives Tatqiq plenty of room to swim and play with her favourite balls! It sounds like we are in for many interesting months to come! If and when Chinook gets pregnant, could retreating from Kalluk also be a sign of that? Sort of “you did your job, now I have to do mine” deal?
Thank you for the update!! And that is a lovely photo of Chinook!
JoAnne responds: We have not seen a successful breeding yet, but really, really close, as close as you could be! However, we aren’t observing at night, so it’s possible!
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
This is so exciting. I hope things go well this year and we get a little polar bear. I have to add my bit about the lovely photo too – it is gorgeous. I love Chinook, I am looking at her footprints hanging on my wall at this very minute.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Hi JoAnne – This is wonderful news! You mentioned in mid-December you started to see behavior changes that indicated Kalluk was having some hormonal fluctuations attributed to breeding season for males. Well, on New Year’s Day we visited the polar bears. On that day we had a wonderful time watching Chinook and Kalluk enjoying each other’s company. While viewing Kalluk and Chinook at the underwater viewing window, we watched them interact. The two bears looked like ballerinas swimming on a stage. It was amazing to watch these two beautiful bears dodging, floating and caressing each other. I had a feeling on that day that Kalluk and Chinook were more than just friends!
Good luck to Kalluk and Chinook. Now only time will tell. I am anxiously looking forward to more updates when they are available. Thank you.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
just had a glimpse of the lovey couple lying together on the large rock taking in the rays and being all kissy and lovey with each other. how cute, maybe we will be hearing the pitter patter of little paws sometime soon.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Thanks for this window into the polar bears’ world. It’s amazing how different the polar bears’ mating season is from the giant panda. Are you able to tell whether a polar bear is definitively pregnant as opposed to the rather mysterious pregnancies of the giant panda?
#6 Rose N…That must have been quite a treat to see. Polar bears are so much fun to watch but I’ve never seen the interaction between a male and female. I enjoyed your description and you were right in your observations of their feelings for each other.
JoAnne responds: We don’t have a definite way yet of determining pregnancy in a polar bear. We know that like the giant panda, polar bears can have pseudo or false pregnancies and different unknown complications that will terminate a pregnancy at any stage. Polar bears do have delayed implantation, so the gestation is considered to be 195 to 265 days, and it could vary by many more days. We do know that the females will den up at least 30 days before they give birth, but denning doesn’t necessarily indicate pregnancy.
We are participating in a fecal hormone study to determine a pregnancy assay for polar bears; it is in its very early stages but may indicate some information for us. But as of now we are planning on providing everything Chinook needs for a successful birth sometime between October and December! We’ll continue with more blogs to help everyone understand, as much as we can, about polar bear pregnancy!
February 4th, 2009 at 8:18 am
JoAnne~Thank you for your comment on my post! I have wondered, since last year, if the bears would have a better chance of breeding at night or during closed hours when no one is watching or clicking photos and ooohing and aaahing! Last year, if I am correct, Chinook and Kalluk were separated at night as no one was sure how well they would get along? I am glad this year you are giving night a chance. Perhaps the full moon on the 9th will do the trick, if it hasn’t already! There is so much we still need to learn about these beautiful bears. They are absolutely enchanting! Last evening there was a closeup on one of the bears, sleeping alone on the mulch pile. Sometimes I just curl up in my chair, read a book and occasionaly look up to check on them! Something very soothing about a polar bear sleeping safe and sound, dreaming of enrichments, swimming and love!
February 4th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Thank you for answering my question, JoAnne! I was surprised by how different the mating process is for giant pandas and polar bears but I am now even more surprised by how similar their pregnancies (and pseudopregnancies) are, aside from gestation period. I saw a documentary recently about polar bears and grizzlies and did notice that a polar cub at birth does slightly resemble a giant panda newborn (lots of pinkness and very small). I think I’ve read that a similar fecal hormone study has been done (or continues) at the NZ during Mei Xiang’s pregnancy watches. If I may take another moment of your time and ask one more question, are polar bears trained to undergo ultrasounds or is their temperament less conducive to being able to do that? I have a feeling I’ve probably jumped the gun in asking because you will probably cover this in future updates!
It looks like there will be great and hopeful expectations in the coming months as we wait for news. I look forward to learning more as you update us!
JoAnne responds: Can you keep a secret? Yes, Chinook is trained to allow ultrasound with a fake probe; we’ve not done the real thing yet. Polar bears, unlike giant pandas, typically really den up and stop eating and interacting with their environment as much as 30 days before giving birth, and we suspect that the fetus would be really tiny at that point of development and quite difficult to find in a mom of over 500 pounds. Even so, we will keep it as a possibility!
February 5th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Thanx Joanne ! I had been wondering if SDZ was going to give it another go around this year !
Hope all works out this time around ! =) I’ve a question though. If Chinook does become pregnant, and has a successful birth, how much time would the SDZ give Chinook to work on her mothering skills. I know some zoos step in quite early in the process, and I know SDZ likes to give their animals time to figure it out on their own, and let the natural process take place. Since she would be a first time mother, I was just wondering how much time the zoo would give her until they stepped in, if needed.
February 5th, 2009 at 11:04 am
JoAnne, I CAN keep a secret!
Thank you so much for that information. It does seem a little more daunting to perform an ultrasound on a polar bear since they are twice the size of a giant panda. Giant pandas have their sluggish times before birth when cooperating for an ultrasound is the last thing on their agendas, so I can see that it would be nearly impossible with a polar bear since they den up for so long before birth or the end of the pseudopregnancy. It is, however, amazing that Chinook has been trained to undergo an ultrasound. Wow! Pandas have been described as patient, gentle and laidback when it comes to their training and I’m excited to find out that polar bears learn some of the same behaviors.
I’m really thankful for the opportunity to learn more about zoo animals. Documentaries usually cover animals in the wild so I don’t know as much about an individual species’ temperament when they are in a “contained” environment, interacting with keepers and trainers. It is eye-opening to read about how training plans are devised for different species and even individual animals. Animals are the stars at the zoo, but the keepers, trainers and medical staff are the unsung heroes. Thank you for all the devotion and attention you provide for the animals in your care! I do look forward to learning more in the coming months about the magnificent polar bears.
February 5th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Will you set up a cam in a den for Chinook should she have a cub or cubs?
February 6th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Oh yes Joanne, will be get a web / den cam like with Bai Yun ? That would be so exciting !
February 6th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I’m also curious about Chinook’s weight. I know that the polar bears in SD are on a special “lower calorie” diet because of the temperatures in San Diego, and the fact that they don’t need the extra layers of fat that they would if they lived in the wild and much, much colder climate. Because of this, how would Chinook be able to stay in a den for such a long period of time nursing a cub? It doesn’t seem like she would have enough fat reserved? I know I am putting the cart before the horse — but I’m so excited about the possibility of cubs…!
JoAnne responds: We will increase Chinook’s diet so that she does have a good amount of reserves. We will also have food and water available to her in the event she wants it so she won’t need to be as fatted as a female in the wild who may go without food for as long as nine months! (This will be explained in a future blog). One of our concerns for Chinook is that she not be too overweight, as one of the reasons females will abandoned cubs in zoos is they are too warm in the den. So we’re working with our nutritionists and veterninarians to come up with just the right weight!
February 6th, 2009 at 11:59 am
keep on playing that barry white and i am sure chinooks and kalluks efforts will come to fruition or cubition. polar cub cam would be heaven
February 6th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Are you kidding… a polar cub cam would be a dream come true — although I’m sure I would be fired from my job! I don’t think I could resist watching it 24/7!
February 6th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
I hope they have cubs! I really think we need more polar bears! Could you give more updates soon?
February 6th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I just watched Kalluk and Chinook enjoying some fun playtime at about 11:45 AM PT. Kalluk was on the beach, while Chinook was in the pool. Chinook was swimming from the underwater table to the beach then doing a back flip and swimming back to the table. She repeated this routine four or five times. Kalluk was busy enjoying the palm fronds on the beach, while Chinook was trying to get him to join her in the water. Chinook finally went over to Kalluck while she was still in the water and grabbed the fronds from Kalluk and flipped them into the pool. Kalluk evidently didn’t want to jump in the pool, so, Chinook went right back to her swimming routine. There was a moment where Kalluk went to the edge of the pool. Chinook swam over and the two bears nuzzled nose-to-nose for a moment. This was such a sweet sight. After a few more laps in the pool, Chinook finally decided to join Kalluk on the beach. Let’s hope these loving bears present us with a cub this year.
February 7th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Two bears enjoying themselves in the pool today. Has to be Chinook and Kalluk of course? One of them has been sitting at the table for quite a while after playing with/eating a carrot. Could be waiting a long time for maid service. Thanks for the close-ups Meerkats.
By the way, any news on the Polar Cam getting it’s own postcard feature?
February 9th, 2009 at 11:12 am
I loved watching Kalluk and Chinook play yesterday afternoon! Chinook was quite the coquette, alternately running away from and then teasing Kalluk to chase her and dive into the water. Then she began her “lap” swimming. I don’t know how on earth she misses hitting her head on the big table rock! Watching the bears enchants me. I hope there’s a little one (and a baby cam to watch) soon.
February 9th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
3:23pm Eastern Time. I am curious as to what bear just came out on the exhibit. They are walking around, rather unhappy looking, and not particularly interested in all the food and toys. Is this one of our lovey-dovey bears missing their mate or Tatqiq feeling left out? Makes you want to jump in the water and chomp on a carrot, just to keep them company!
February 10th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Awww… it’s 3:00 in the afternoon — and Kalluk and Chinook are taking a nap together in their “love shack”. I was checking on the bears after lunch — and I noticed they were hanging out together — so it’s seems like they are certainly spending a lot of time together. Their faces are so sweet… they must be having good dreams napping together. They look so cozy…
February 10th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
3:25 pm, Pacific time. I’ve been watching on and off for a while this afternoon, and seeing two polar bears having a nice comfy nap in their bedroom. They look so peaceful and beautiful lying there. I wonder what they are dreaming of?
February 10th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Ooh…Just tuned in to the Polar Cam, and I saw two adorable bears lying side by side snoozing soundly…Must be Chinook and Kalluk! Sure hope they will bring us some good news come next winter!
February 15th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Just taking a peek at the cam and two bears (obviously Chinook and Kalluk) are snuggled up, sleeping away. All that romance must be exhausting! How is Tatqiq doing with all this loving going on? Is she still a happy girl? I hope so! She is still our Princess and possible Auntie to be!
February 15th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I hope our love birds, ah bears had a wonderful Valentines weekend. There seemed to be a lot of cozy time and they are now enjoying a swim together in the plunge.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Is it me, or do the bears look as if they’ve been down a coal mine?
February 17th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
LOL I was thinking the same thing! The bears look like they need a bubble bath! I am watching one bear laying on stone shelf eating some munchies while the other is pacing back and forth, continually checking the bedroom doors. I am guessing this might be Kalluk looking for Chinook, as I remember this behaviour from last year’s viewing! Tatqiq, have you been playing in the dirt? Or maybe it was a rainy morning and they all had some mud treatments!!!
February 20th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Hi Joanne… When will the polar bears be back out for viewing. I am a HUGE polar bear fan, and we are visiting with my 2 year old daughter in March. Will Tatqiq still be roaming around?
Thanks!
Joanne replies: We are still using a variable schedule with all 3 polar bears as to who is out and when. But generally all 3 are out in the mornings and 1 or 2 out after noon. This can change if the bears show us they need something different. I don’t know when you’ll be here in March, but remember Bear Bonanza Days are March 19-22,and we’ll be having a large snowfall on the 21st in the polar bear exhibit!
February 25th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Oh my! Imagine my surprise when I logged in to check on the bears this morning (9:41 am to be exact) and saw Kalluk and Chinook being — how should I word this… VERY AMOROUS!
February 25th, 2009 at 11:38 am
They’re doing it!!! My goodness, Kalluk is quite the Don Juan!
Moderator’s note: Seeing breeding behavior in polar bears is very rare. Although we did not expect this to occur to a public audience, we are delighted to know that our efforts to preserve this species may be successful.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I just popped on the cam to find Kalluk and Chinook (I assume?) having a bit of a natter together. How are things going between them?
February 25th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Me again. Went back to the cam and it looks like Kalluk and Chinook are doing a lot more than having a natter! Could we be hearing the patter of a tiny polar bear? Fingers crossed…
February 25th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I just witnessed Chinook and Kalluk mating on polar cam, a few times !! Yayyy ! What happens next ? Is Chinook going to kick Kalluk out ? Does the zoo separate them now untill we find out if she has conceived ?
Are there going to be dens being made, and ultra sounds soon ? Oh please address this Joanne ! I’m anxious to find out what happens now !! =)
February 25th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
It certainly looks like it’s time for mating. I was pleasantly surprised so see our polar bears on the cam!!! Chinook and Kalluk have been with each other mating today! I’M SO EXCITED FOR THEM and the KEEPERS TOO!!! OMG! A baby polar bear cub on the way! HOW ABSOLUTELY EXCITING FOR SAN DIEGO ZOO AND THE KEEPERS!
February 25th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Oohhhhhhhhhhh..what really exciting news! I am keeping my fingers crossed!
Does anyone know how long it takes for a polar pregnancy to be confirmed and what the polar gestation time is?
February 25th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
What is the gestation time for polar bears? ARe we going to see possibly pitter patters of polar cubs and panda cubs at SDZ this year????? So excited!!!!!
February 25th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
There is a very sweet video of Kalluk and Chinook on Flickr taken on Feb. 9th by kjdrill. The two bears are enjoying each other’s company while playing with some palm fronds on the beach. Just Goggle Chinook and Kalluk during breeding season on Flickr kjdrill.
Earlier, at about 6:05 PM PT, there is just enough light to see that Kalluk and Chinook are still outside. At first, it looked like they were having a staring contest. Kalluk was backing up as Chinook moved forward. The bears were facing each other and moving slowly on the beach. Then as it got darker, I noticed they moved further away from the beach until they were out of sight. Also, they gave no indication that they wanted to go inside.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Will there be a polar cam in the den? Oh, please, please, please….;-)
February 26th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Kalluk sure doesn’t give Chinook any alone time. In the wild, are the male/female pairs constantly together like this? Do they hunt for food together?
February 26th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
How do you know who is who????????????There are no numbers like on panda cam……..
February 26th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Have you always planned to breed Kalluk and Chinook, not necessarily with each other? Or, is this an opportunity that came about because of the loss of Shikari and the possibility that Chinook could be introduced to Kalluk and Tatqiq as a result of her loneliness?
Prior to the new attention on polar bears and loss of ice, I had not previously heard of any US zoos that were planning on breeding their captive polar bears. With the births of polar bear cubs in European zoos, especially in Germany, there seems to be a new focus on breeding captive polar bears and highlighting the plight of the polar bear.
The polar bears at Memphis Zoo are on contraceptives like Tatqiq, and I haven’t heard any plans they may be developing for breeding their two females.
Do you know of any other US zoos with resident polar bears who might be interested in breeding with Tatqiq?
February 26th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Gee, spend a few days in bed because I am sick and I miss all the fun! I am going to jump way ahead with a question I have had on my mind for a while.
If Chinook does get pregnant, what are the chances of her having twin cubs? I know this is the usual in the wild, except for more recently with poor eating, breaking up of ice, etc. Since she is well cared for, well fed, healthy, etc., would this raise the chance of her being able to have two cubs instead of one?
And jumping much further ahead… Eventually would this mean, when the cubs are ready to go out on the plunge, that she will be with them, and then you would have to switch and put Kalluk and Tatqiq out together, so no fighting or danger to the cubs ensues? Would Tatqiq get along with another female’s cubs or would that pose a danger with the two females fighting? From what I have seen on educational programs unless they are breeding or raising their young, polar bears seem to be loners, overall. Then again, Chinook, Kalluk and Tatqiq have proven us all wrong with their playing antics!
February 27th, 2009 at 5:45 am
What are the plans for Tatqiq for breeding since she cannot mate with Kalluk (her brother)?
February 27th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Chinook was laying beside the pool (it’s alright for some!) when Kalluk came along to see her; when she got up there was a perfect outline of her body, just like one of those sheepskin rugs.
February 27th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I was watching just now. Kalluk is totally in love, but I felt sorry for Tatqiq. She was close but obviously knew to keep her distance from the big romance. I’m dying to see cubs, but I’ll be glad for her when her brother calms down a bit!
I’m really touched that you seem to be paying quite a bit of attention to the emotional lives of the bears. I’ve insisted for years that they have great intelligence and sensitivity, but I don’t think most people take in the meaning of that. I’m glad to see how much you consider all this.
February 27th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
It’s noon in San Diego. I was watching Tatqiq, while Kalluk was sticking like glue to Chinook, as they make their rounds. Poor Tatqiq. She looked like she wanted to come out into the sun, but was afraid. Would Kalluk harm her, if she gets too close? I would think that would be the behavior in the wild. I understand from another blogger that there was at least one mating. Hope there is a little cub in the future. What a boon it would be for San Diego. I hope Tatqiq can come out to sun and swim. She looks miserable.
February 27th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Hello? Does no one see my question? Look at number 41,please……. So the polar cub is on the way,but who is who?
February 27th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
How long is the cycle???????? I want to know how long until a precious baby polar bear comes along!
February 27th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Poor Tatqiq. Perhaps it is time to give her some special Private Princess Plunge Time, with her very own palm fronds and lots of little coloured balls in the water to cheer her up and allow her some anxious-free playtime. I wish I could have her in my backyard where she could play in the snow all day long!
February 27th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I agree with the others who are concerned for Tatqiq, she looks lonely and totally left out. I am happy that Kalluk and Chinook are having fun and doing what comes ‘naturally’, and hope that we have a little polar bear cub sometime soon.
Are there any plans for a mate for Tatqiq? Any news on the possibility of acquiring Knut from the Berlin Zoo? I think, even with some personality problems, he would make a great addition to our polar bear family.
February 27th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
There’s a polar-bear photo of them on flickr:
www(dot)flickr (dog)com (forward slash) photo (forward slash) 36382102@N00 (forward slash) 3309929600 (forward slash
I think he’d just chase her away. But her feelings would probably be hurt … big time. Certainly mine would. But two’s company, and three’s … ?
For Susan H. above: They will mate repeatedly. If cubs are conceived, they are held in the mother’s body through a process called “delayed implantation”. The eggs don’t implant and start to develop until the fall when she’s ready to enter the den. Then it’s about eight weeks until they’re born. Expect cubs, if there are any, in November. All of that is normal for polar bears.
For Debi in MA above: Twin cubs are the most common although one cub is also common for a first-time mother. It’s also possible that two are born, but only one makes it. Three cubs would be extraordinary.
February 28th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
How do you know who is who? And how long will Chinook be pregnant for?
February 28th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
The old married couple are taking a nap in the shade by their bedding materials!
March 1st, 2009 at 2:57 pm
#41,48, pandafan (the other one): Kalluk is the BIG bear following Chinook like a shadow!
. Unfortunately, for right now, Tatqiq (Kalluk’s sister) is the lonely one, looking on from the sidelines.
March 1st, 2009 at 3:22 pm
It is nice to see the relationship being more reciprocal and not just Kalluk tailing an exhausted Chinook. Does Kalluk let Chinook have most of the treats left out for them? Has he lost any weight?
Saw a short round of tug-of-war between the two of them Saturday evening with some enrichment item. Kalluk let Chinook have it.
March 1st, 2009 at 3:35 pm
I hate to ask, but where has everyone been ? I’ve still been checking Polar cam reguarly, probably about 20 times a day, and since the 25th I have not seen any of the 3 bears on exhibit. Are they staying away from the water for a reason ? Is everyone separated right now since Chinook and Kalluk have mated ?
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Chinook is having a lovely swim, doing her graceful laps! She is so ballerina like in her moves. It is hard to believe how heavy and strong these bears are when you see her do this!
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I’m enjoying watching Kalluk and Chinook playing around in the water. They look like they’re having a lot of fun!
lainie #58, you must have been really unlucky over the last few days. There’s been quite a lot going on. I’ve seen quite a lot of the old married couple (thanks Debi, MA for that lovely description).
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Do polar bears mate for life?
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:06 pm
How about an update?
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Thanks Dianne in Texas! I guess it was Tatqiq I saw looking lonely…..poor thing. Tatqiq is one of my very favorite polar bears. (Next to Chinook)
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Hello to Cheryl: No, they don’t have permanent mates except in zoos, where there is basically no choice. In the wild they’re polygamous. On the other hand, they do form personal attachments, so in that sense a male and a female who spend their lives together in a zoo could be said to love one another. Siblings are generally quite attached, and two bears who see a lot of each other could be said to be friends. There is, however, always a matter of dominance to resolve. At this point, I think Kalluk and Chinook are more accurately “in lust”. Their hormones are directing their behavior. It’ll be a while before it’s known if she’s conceived and even longer to know if she’s able to give birth and raise a cub.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:34 pm
This enormous waiting game timeline is worse than waiting for the pandas. Gracious me! We could be sitting here for months, still wondering if Chinook is pregnant. But you know what? The payoff will be when she delivers those precious twins. Yeah, that’s what I’m betting on….twins! Any takers?
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:02 am
#60- Susan, thank you. =) I guess I have been unlucky. Saw Kalluk sticking to Chinook like glue yesterday for a few minutes. #62-Linda, I agree. Going through Polar Bear update withdrawls here too.
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Chinook is having a munchy meal, while Kalluk is protecting and watching over her, just in case another male bear comes into the plunge! Amazing how instinct just kicks right in when you have a mate! If she wants freedom, she will have to go for a dive, because the minute she gets up, he follows her! At least he allows her breaks to eat! But where is our lovely princess Tatqiq? I miss her a lot. She is also my favourite bear and seems to get lost in the limelight during breeding season.
March 3rd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
TWINS?!
March 3rd, 2009 at 4:13 pm
For those dedicated polar bear fans who are unable to watch the live cam 24/7, wouldn’t it be great to have a time lapse video to view as is available for viewing the panda bears in action on any day you happen to miss?? What would it take for this to happen??
Moderator’s note: We currently don’t have any plans to implement a time lapse for Polar Cam.
March 4th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Any plans to evict the “critters” making webs all over the elevated Polar Cam? Maybe a little windex?