Polar Bears: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Posted at 4:43 pm July 13, 2009 by JoAnne Simerson
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 13 years since we opened Polar Bear Plunge at the San Diego Zoo in 1996! Chinook was 1½ years old, and Kalluk (pictured) and Tatqiq were still 5 years from existing. When we designed what would be at the time the world’s largest polar bear exhibit, we had not planned on how fast things would change in the polar bear’s world.
Polar bears were considered a “conservation dependent” species, and the greatest threat to them was overhunting. There were plenty of polar bears in zoos for folks to learn about, so many that the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) placed a moratorium on breeding, as there were no managed-care facilities left to house them. AZA’s population management plan aimed to keep the zoo population of polar bears healthy and in good numbers. In San Diego, we did not plan to breed polar bears and designed our facility to reflect that plan.
Today, everything has changed. Chinook is 14 years old, Kalluk and Tatqiq are 8 years old, and we potentially have cubs on the way! We are now adding a management yard onto the bedroom area and are about to embark on an incredible interpretive display that will be built at the beginning of 2010. These additions are very exciting and reflect the collaboration of several departments at the San Diego Zoo.
The decision to build the yard was brought on by the need to give Chinook and her potential cubs room to “grow” when they come out of the den. There will be a pool where the cubs will learn to swim, grass and dirt for Chinook to teach them the fine art of getting dirty, and lots of shelter for those all-important naps and lunch times!
The yard will also be great fun for Kalluk and Tatqiq when Chinook’s cubs are old enough to venture into the big exhibit and pool. Once Chinook goes into her den, our trio will be separated until Chinook weans her cubs and they go to their new home in another fabulous exhibit in North America. The construction is on a fast track: we need to get everything done and have the area quiet for when Chinook goes into her den, possibly as early as September!
Today, polar bears are now classified as a “threatened” species. We are all familiar with climate change and the melting of the Arctic Ice. We don’t know how many polar bears are in the wild, but we do know their survival is dependent upon the ice. In areas where we know the most about polar bears, we know that those populations are in dramatic decline. The San Diego Zoo formed a conservation partnership with Polar Bears International to raise awareness about the habitat of the polar bear. Along with scientists from around the world, we are identifying the greatest needs to help save polar bear habitat and then educating and inspiring our guests to make the changes needed.
In response to the declining polar bear population, AZA now has a Species Survival Plan for polar bears, a step not only to help continue to support polar bear populations in zoos but also in the wild. Tomorrow, we see the possibility of bears being born in San Diego, and the new yard will help us in the event we rescue polar bears. As the Arctic warms, more industry will move into the ranges where polar bears live and there will be more bear-human conflicts.
Just as we did when Chinook, Kalluk, and Tatqiq were orphaned, we are prepared to help. The new interpretive designs will give every guest that visits the polar bear exhibit a great feel for how we can make changes to help slow the warming of our planet and reduce our carbon footprint. We hope our fabulous polar bears will continue to inspire you to care about them and their wild cousins still surviving in the great icy Arctic.
JoAnne Simerson is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
Watch the bears daily on Polar Cam!
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July 13th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Joanne, It is very exciting to think we may have polar bear cubs.
July 13th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Thank you, JoAnne. I hope everyone is paying close attention to this one. The picture painted is a plea for the world to rethink their lifestyles. You are suggesting a very hopeful but very vivid idea of what is really going on out there. The very idea of what is in store for our arctic wildlife, if the arctic ice melts, makes me want to cry. I am a member of an organization that petitions Congress on this very issue. The Senate is about to vote on the new bill, addressing global warming and green energy. This organization petitions for saving the arctic, the wilderness, and wildlife, and are trying to get the Secretary of the Interior to take steps to add polar bears to the endangered species list. I support them in every way I possibly can. I hope all of you will too. What I would really like is for the President to restore the Endangered Species Act to its original content. I am so very grateful that SDZ is taking steps to further protect the polar bears, even if it has to be in an enclosed environment, and to also educate the public as much as possible. Also, thank you for allowing me to get on my soap box.
July 13th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
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Bet there will be protests if the cubs are sent away right after weaning.
July 14th, 2009 at 5:54 am
right now the cam is stuck pointed on the side of a big rock– cant see anything- no keepers cleaning, no water not anything—
Moderator’s note: Thanks for alerting us. Please check it now.
July 14th, 2009 at 8:16 am
What a loving and enthusiastic tribute to polar bears, both at SDZ, other zoos and in the wild. I highly appreciate that you have long term plans set for the best situations for cubs possibly being born and their future, as well as possible rescues that will need a safe and loving home. It truly must warm your heart to see the progress of your polar bears, as well as wonder what the future holds for this beautiful species. Seeing the “big picture” is so important, as is the tiniest of details, like allowing Chinook to teach her cubs to get dirty!!
July 14th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Thanks for the post, JoAnne and I agree with Dianne (#2) that it was a plea for understanding and support for the plight of the polar bear. I am just sick at the rate the Arctic ice is melting. I wonder, JoAnne, if Polar Bears International might at some point have a link on your website so that we might donate to help with the conservation and preservation efforts of this precious species?
Moderator’s note: We forgot to add the link to Polar Bears International but have done so now. Thanks for the heads-up!
July 14th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Joanne. Thanx for the update, as always. My question is, did you mean the cubs would be going to North America, (if there are in fact any) or the cubs and Chinook ? We are keeping Chinook, yes ?
Moderator’s note: We believe JoAnne meant that once any cubs born to Chinook were old enough, the cubs would then go to other North American zoos.
July 14th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Consider the Canadian government too. There are more polar bears in Canada than anywhere on Earth, yet the Canadian government refuses to get serious about protecting them. Their strategy is controlled by politics, and it results in almost no serious action. Do a news search for “polar bear strategy” to read a recent article published by the Winnipeg Sun.
July 14th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
BTW, it’s an adorable photo.
July 14th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Now that we have fabulous pictures of Chinook and Kalluk on the blogs, we need an equally nifty portrait of Taqiq. Ready for your close-up Taqiq??
July 14th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Just to rant further: There were also two really good articles a few months ago in the British newspaper The Independent. One was about how bears in the wild are turning to cannibalism (March 22) and another was about how trophy hunters purchase licenses to bag bears in Canada (March 20), presumably just for fun. Zoo bears have a fairly placid existence, but bears in the wild are having it hard. Scientists who study the bears and those who care about them really are concerned. Do support them.
Kalluk is still adorable above. And so is Tatqiq. I’m looking forward to hearing about her soon. I noticed somebear, who was very dirty and looked rather chubby, napping late last evening. Was that Chinook?
Moderator’s note: Our keepers tell us that was indeed Chinook.
July 15th, 2009 at 11:11 am
How can anyone kill a polar bear — just for fun — or any animal for that matter? It makes me sick — and I hope to never meet a person (monster) that would do that. Yes — we must all help heal the planet — and keep our precious animals alive. Thank goodness for the SD Zoo and alike… loving an animal, whether it’s just because you think they are cute, or because you understand what a precious life they are is the first step in wanting to protect them. I would bet that any child who visits a zoo regularly (as I did growing up in So Cal) really learns to love and respect animals for the rest of their life. I can’t imagine a world without them…
July 15th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Close-up of another plump bear napping in a nest of carrots. I think it’s Chinook again.
July 15th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I’ve just got a lovely view of Chinook wandering about the plunge displaying her lovely black and white stripes! How did she get them so evenly done while rolling? She IS getting quite plump, isn’t she?!! She has a sort of panda bear look to her, right now. I can’t wait to see if her possible cub(s) inherit this unique behaviour!
July 15th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Awww… a very sleepy bear taking a nap in the soft sand in front of the viewing glass. It’s interesting to watch some visitors walk right by and not seem to take much notice — with others taking a seat and spending some time watching. The little kids are cute — pointing at the large feet, back side… then get excited when the bear stretches. Very sweet. Don’t think it’s Chinook — since I don’t see the stripes that Debi mentioned — but the bear does seem to have a bit of a “rubinesque” shape — so maybe?
July 16th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Is that Kalluk on cam now, lounging and snacking by the falls. Ah, contentment!
Moderator’s note: Our keepers say it’s Tatqiq; Kalluk is in the water.
July 16th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Oops!
July 16th, 2009 at 11:45 am
I have been enjoying the close-up of one happy, content bear since 11:35AM PST. (I think it is Tatquiq!) She has been lying flat on her back, scratching her head with her front paws, rolling around on the concrete a little, and is now curled up in a napping position. Aah… The joy of summer days at SDZ… =)
July 16th, 2009 at 11:45 am
I have to compliment whoever is manning the cameras the last couple of days — we seen lots of new views and great, great close-up shots of the bears. It’s been alot of fun to watch. Thank you!!
Moderator’s note: We’ll pass along your praise to our new group of volunteers manning Polar Cam, Elephant Cam, and Ape Cam.
July 16th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I agree with Cheryl! I have seen some lovely views, including right now! Who was playing with the bone and then the purple ball and who was sacked out on the stone beach? I saw Kalluk’s favourite red tube floating in the water. I must have missed some fun while doing my chores!
July 16th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Thanks to the volunteers for getting some great close-ups of the bears. I was watching Kalluk playing in the water for quite as while. When he got out of the water, he went looking for a snack and the camera followed him to the back where he found some carrots. Apparently those carrots belonged to one of the girls, Taqiq I think. She went over to him, lifted her paw and hit him right in the head. Do not come between a girl and her snacks! He got the message, and went over to the edge of the plunge and settled down to his own pile of carrots. It was so funny.
July 16th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
assuming that chinook is pregnant when would you expect her to den up? exciting times these are…what with a potential panda cub(s) and a potential polar bear cub(s). …
Keepers respond: We will be giving Chinook access to the den in the beginning of September for a possible birth to occur sometime between October and December.
July 16th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
To Judy #21 : That was funny! I chuckled while reading your description of the incident. Tatqiq indeed is the boss and the princess in charge when she is around! =)
July 19th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I am presently watching the cam and a bear (maybe Chinook?) has just laid down by the waterfall pool. The bear is facing one of the doors, and I have a question!
1. Is that their bedroom door and do they want “in”? (if Chinook possible signs of denning behaviour?)
2. Is that a lonely bear who is waiting for a playmate to come out?
3. Is that a bear who just happens to love lying in that cool and comforting spot, rather similar to a seal hole, just in case something yummy pops up?!!
July 20th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Joanne, I was curious. It seems for a few weeks now I only ever see 1 bear at a time out and about at the plunge. Are they being kept apart right now ? And if so, which bears are on rotation at a time.
Are all 3 bears going to be out at the same time again, or is this for a reason in case Chinook is with cub(s)?
Keepers respond: We keep the bear rotation schedule variable. Currently there is one overnight a week when Chinook is on exhibit by herself. Other than that, all three bears are out together or we pair Kalluk/Tatqiq or Kalluk/Chinook. It may be difficult to find them all at once from the single camera view since they’ve been resting in different parts of the exhibit.
July 20th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Repeated kudos and many, many thanks to the cam operators! We’ve all gotten to see SO much polar bear activity and new views of the enclosure and all sorts of polar positions and playing! What a wonderful treat (especially since it’s so hot in So Cal where I am)! I tune in to the polar cam to ‘think cool’!
July 20th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Hmm…same bear, same spot, same position since my last post (#24). Someone likes this spot very much and has very big feet!!
July 21st, 2009 at 10:09 am
Two bears out on the plunge, and it looks like Kalluk and Tatqiq, because Kalluk is rapidly pacing back and forth by the doorways and obviously wants Chinook to come out. Is there going to be a bit of a depression problem for him if she ends up denning? Will he see her, at all, in the bedrooms, through cages, or pick up her scent and hear her growl, but wonder why she is being separated from them? I am sure Tatqiq will be glad to have her brother back to herself and Chinook would be busy with a cub or cubs. Kalluk, I wonder, may have the hardest time adjusting.
July 21st, 2009 at 11:07 am
Kalluk and Tatqiq are out on the Plunge on the rocks. However, they are both looking around kind of anxiously, seeming to be on the lookout. I wonder what is drawing their attention right now…
July 21st, 2009 at 11:33 am
I see all three bears out and about right now. I think I have figured out what is drawing their attention at the moment. The sound of the construction of the new year and the crew are attracting major attention here. I don’t know if they are distressed by the sound, but they do seem to be congregating next to the construction site right now.
July 21st, 2009 at 12:08 pm
All three bears were out about a half hour ago (you can really tell Chinook now by her round, plump midsection!) and while the girls sat down, Kalluk was pacing the same pattern continuously (walks out in front of the waterfall, turns around, walks back to the left of the water fall and into the shade, turns around, walks back out in front of the waterfall again, etc). I see the construction going on behind them. Is this the reason for his behavior? Chinook finally got up and walked away… as well as Tatqiq (although she did come back and sit down again on a rock while Kalluk kept pacing). I was wondering what his keepers think of his behavior. He’s been pacing that same pattern for over 30 minutes, so I was wondering what this animal behavior is indicative of?
July 21st, 2009 at 2:21 pm
I am watching the cam, right now, and he is back to pacing, again. Is this his protective side as in saying “What are you doing to my territory”? Or is he anxious to see the nursery being built for his kids?!!
It does sort of remind me of the old movies, with the husband in the waiting room, pacing the floor… lol
Keepers respond: Big things started happening around the Plunge this morning. In preparation for the new polar bear management yard, demolition began in the adjacent enclosure. At first Kalluk and Tatqiq were interested in the workers, but once it got noisy, Kalluk became a bit uneasy. He tends to be the most sensitive of the bears, especially when it comes to machinery and loud noise. We may see this behavior continue over the next few days as demolition and construction progresses, but rest assured we are keeping a close eye on how all three bears are handling the disturbance.
July 22nd, 2009 at 7:15 am
Thank you, Keepers for the response to my post. I am sure many of us were wondering what exactly was going on. That makes a lot of sense. Animals sense of hearing is so more sensitive than ours and I remember once reading that Kalluk was the most sensitive of the bears, so I would imagine the strange noises must be very upsetting. Maybe red tube floaty device will keep him occupied! Or those amazing purple balls!! I’m with Kalluk. I can’t stand it when neighbours have pools put in or their houses added onto, and the noise lasts all summer long with trucks and sawing and other icky sounds. Not to mention, besides the booming cracks of breaking ice and howling winds or lapping of water, it is pretty quiet up in the Arctic, so polar bear ears were not made for loud sounds!
Last night, right before going to bed, I saw a polar bear sleeping comfortably on the plunge rocks. Of course, this then led me to dream about polar bears and guess what?! I dreamt Chinook had triplets!!!
July 22nd, 2009 at 10:01 am
Chinook is out there munching on carrots. It’s interesting that she’s positioned as if to make room for an expanded tummy. She’s definitely bulking up. Either she’s expecting or she’s just broken up with her boyfriend!
July 22nd, 2009 at 5:39 pm
A lovely bear is snuggled up with their palm and taking a nice nap! What a lovely captured photo that would make! I’m just going to keep the window open while I read and peek at him/her! Very soothing! Apparently I need a polar bear screen saver!
July 24th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Just saw a chubby bear out there eating again. She had long legs — definitely Chinook.
July 25th, 2009 at 10:01 am
All three bears out near each other, finally! Hanging by the fountain. Chinook…oh my! Her belly is drooping down to the ground! She got a friendly kissy from Kalluk and now he and Tatqiq are hanging out around the fountain area, though he is into a back rub and she is more into pacing, today! Like brother, like sister. Chinook has moved on for more yummies, perhaps!
July 25th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I have a question about polar bears and drinking water! I just saw a bear (not sure which one) pause by the little stream that comes down from the waterfall area, and maybe drink from it? Do the polar bears drink from that water or any other water from the plunge area?
Keepers respond: The bears do indeed drink from the stream, the main pool, and the small “jacuzzi” pool at the base of the waterfall. There are two dedicated continuous-fill drinkers toward the back of the exhibit. Of course, to the bears, water is water, and they will drink from anywhere. Kalluk actually prefers to soak his feet in the drinkers, so we often refer to them as the “pedicure stations.”
July 26th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Hmm…I was peacefully watching a bear (Tatqiq?) eating a carrot by one of the logs, enjoying themselves and minding their own business, when another bear (Kalluk or Chinook?) came chasing them away. What is up with that? They didn’t seem to appreciate it.
July 27th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I think it’s Tatqiq who pushes Chinook around. Jealousy?
In the Arctic I know that the bears seldom drink or eat snow because it uses their valuable energy resources to warm it to body temperature. Instead, they derive liquid from the fats they eat. In a more temperate climate, however, I think they drink like dogs do.
August 3rd, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Keepers, #32, you mention sensitivity to sound. That reminds me of the hearing tests you were doing with Shikari at the time of her untimely death. I believe Chinook was also part of the hearing study. Have you continued with any of the three bears in an altered study with the loss of Shikari? If so, what have you found out so far?
It is fascinating to me to read about these marvelous creatures and their nuances in their individual personalities.
Does Kalluk show any preference for either Chinook or Tatqiq now that breeding season is over, and hopefully Chinook is pregnant?
August 4th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Wow, the Polar Plunge visitors are being treated to a fantastic water play session between Kalluk and Tatqiq (?) right in front of the viewing window. They are wrestling and seem to be having a blast.
Are the bears spending more time in their cool pool during this extreme heat of mid-Summer?
August 5th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
JoAnne – Which polar bear is the one who seems to have adopted the ledge by the viewing window as their private bed and favorite resting place. My guess from the size is Kalluk, but it looks rotund, albeit not dirty, so it could be Chinook. It is unlikely to be Tatqiq. Whichever one it is, it sure looks comfy, and is oblivious to the blue ball floating in the water about a foot away from it’s nose. Pure heavenly repose for sure.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I chuckled when I went online the Polar Cam just now. There is a bear sleeping and lying on its side near the water with all four paws spread out. I so wish I were there in person with a camera on hand! So peaceful and cute!
August 11th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
To Debi in MA: Download a program called Winpix. It’s a freebie. You can set up a file of pb photos, then it will rotate photos on your desktop. In the free version, you have to do all your settings in the first week, then after that you can’t change. I have three computers and all polar bears all the time.
August 12th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Just checked the Polar Cam, and again, there is a close-up shot of the bear lying on its side, sleeping. Love the close-up of the paws! They are so adorable, from my human stand point! Thanks to the Meerkats for such wonderful job of managing the camera!
August 13th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
I am curious: Which bear is it that likes to lie down in front of the viewing window around 4 or 5pm in the afternoons? S/he seems to enjoy the attention from the visitors, but likes to stick its rear towards them!
August 14th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Hi Grace,
I think it might be Tatqiq. I believe when they turn away like that, it means that they feel dominance over the situation. In other words, Tatqiq isn’t worried about anyone coming at her from behind because she knows the glass is there. Correct me if I’m wrong, please.
August 21st, 2009 at 9:40 am
Hello Joanne. Why is there no “Send Postcard” with the Polar Bear Cam, Elephant Cam and Ape Cam? I’ve never bothered to ask this question before, but Momma Bai of the Giant Panda land recently gave birth and I had been sending postcards to myself and friends lately. I think some of my friends I had gone crazy because I had been flooding their inbox with postcards.
This morning, I have been watching two of your bears (I’m sorry, I couldn’t distingush who they are). I wish at that moment I have a “send postcard” to click because they both look so adorable. Please extend my THANK YOU VERY MUCH to Polar Bear Keepers and the ones who manned the camera. It has been roving a lot lately:-). Thank you for giving us the glimpse of their lives. I miss going to SDZ, so viewing the Live Cam becomes an important part of my daily life:-).
Thank you, thank you for all the updates….
Moderator’s note: It is not in our budget to add the postcard feature to the other Web Cams at this time. But we hope you can continue to enjoy all of the Cams, and we’ll pass along your thanks to our volunteers who operate the cams during the day.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:33 am
Thank you….I was just wondering about it. I will always be here to watch them. They are a part of my life now:-).