Polar Bears: Waiting May Be Over
Posted at 10:24 am December 9, 2009 by JoAnne SimersonAn update on our Chinook: she is no longer experiencing long, lazy days. No more sleep-ins or early good nights. She seems to have moved well out of what we think of as a false pregnancy and is ready to join our other two polar bears that are out watching our guests.
Over the past week, we have been gradually reintroducing her to a “normal” management routine and she is more than willing. We have even given her access to Kalluk and Tatqiq through an introduction panel in the bedroom area. The result: Chinook and Tatqiq spent a great deal of time sniffing each other and pawing and then plopped down while Tatqiq tried to squeeze a carrot over to Chinook through the panel. Kalluk just watched them and then went back to the indoor pool and splashed around with a new toy. We have been “sneaking” Chinook out to the exhibit for short periods of time. Some of you are very observant!
We will continue with ultrasounds throughout the year to keep Chinook comfortable with the training. This shouldn’t be too hard since she loves the sessions. We will also begin monitoring Kalluk for the first signs that breeding season is on the way. And then the fingers will be crossed (again)!
Unless Chinook shows us something very different with her behavior or we see something on ultrasound, you’ll be seeing our fabulous trio together again very soon!
JoAnne Simerson is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
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December 9th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Well, Phooey!!!
December 9th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Well, great … but bummer.
December 9th, 2009 at 11:40 am
That really is a shame, after all that waiting and hoping and finger crossing! But hey, never mind, there’s always next time and I’m sure it WILL happen one day. It would have been nice to have some little polar bear cubbies but it’s not to be and it will be lovely to see them all together again, playing in the pool.
December 9th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Well, breeding season is almost upon us, again, so you never know! Cubbies would have been cute, but maybe this just isn’t the year for it. At any rate I will enjoy seeing the bears all together again and I love that Tatqiq was trying to get a carrot to her. How sweet. Kalluk sounds like his regular self, romping like a big burly kid! I miss his bellyflops!
December 9th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Sad, sad, no baby polar bear, but just think what we have learned through this experience. Next time we will be a step closer.
December 9th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Darn, Chinook! I was pulling for you girl! But as Susan (#3) said – it is not to be. Spring is just around the corner though, so hoping for lots of romance in the coming months. In the meantime, hoping the bears have a grand time and enjoy each other’s company!!
December 9th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Big sigh… but it will be nice to see all three of them together again — I’m sure Kalluk and Tatqiq have missed her. How sweet of Kalluk to share his carrots with his best girl.
False pregnancies — what an odd thing. What’s the purpose in them? I know they sometimes occur in pandas too — it seems cruel of mother nature. Oh well, maybe next year. Now all three of them can celebrate Christmas together. Gosh… seems like some snow is in order — wouldn’t you say!? Come on Santa — please!!
Moderator’s note: Santa’s elves are providing snow for the Zoo’s elephants this Friday, December 11.
December 9th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
…and so we continue to learn and prepare for the future. Of course all of us must be disappointed, but it sounds like our fearless threesome is ready to move on and enjoy the cooler temperatures of our “winter.”
December 9th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Well, maybe next time. A few questions:
What would be the future plans for any Chinook/Kalluk cubs?
Are there any plans in place to prevent Kalluk and Tatqiq from breeding or is that not an issue?
Thanks so much.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Well, darn, that is a bit disappointing for all of us. And, I suspect, especially for the polar bear keepers. But, the story of Tatqiq trying to share her carrots with Chinook is so sweet! It will be nice to see them all back together again. And, for anyone who missed it, there are links in the previous post’s comments to videos of two separate polar bear births.
December 9th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Aww… well, SDZ gave it a go….. it just must not be the right time for Chinook to bear young. In due time, in due time. =) If there is a little miracle hiding inside, then good for her, and cant wait. But if not, then something will happen when the time is right.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Hopefully the cameras for the den will be in place and you will have babies to watch next time.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
#9 Carolyn in MA
Tatqiq is given a contraceptive implant so that she and her brother can still be together. It’s really great so they can play together when Chinook is out of the picture.
December 9th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Bear out getting some moon-rays 11.45pm SDZ time. I think they’re trying to tan their tummy!
December 10th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Thanks so much JoAnne – I figured you folks had things well in hand : )
December 10th, 2009 at 8:31 am
Well, these things happen. I was looking forward to a polar bear cub, but maybe next time. Think about how much fun they will have trying again in the spring.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Darn. I’m still not giving up on a cub for Chinook. I’m hoping she’s just waiting to implant the embryo. She knows when the best time is. I know Pandas are notoriously hard to breed in captivity (though our very own Bai Yun and Gao Gao are an exception) but I didn’t know the same could be said with polar bears.
I’m not giving up on you Chinook!
December 10th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Everything that I have read or seen about polar bears, says that their young are born when the mother is in hibernation?? She digs a snow cave, the cubs are born and she stays there until they are a few months old. (Just like black bears and brown bears.) Wouldn’t she need a place to sleep for awhile??
Moderator’s note: According to our polar bear fact sheet, polar bears do not hibernate, but their body functions do slow down at this time. Many scientists call this “winter sleep,” because the bears can easily be awakened. A mother polar bear can give birth and nurse her young while still in her winter sleep.
December 10th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Tuff, would have enjoyed see a little white cubbie. The bears in Churchill do not sleep in winter – when there is ice, they fish. Now they are roaming around Churchill because they do not have anything to eat – waiting for the ice to form.
Shirley
December 10th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Aww…I’m sorry for you all that there will be no cubs this year. Happy to hear the trio will be back together soon though
December 10th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I’ve heard the winter slow-down called ‘torpor’. Definitely my body tried to do this when the weather suddenly turns cold. In fact, I think … I’ll go have a nap now.
December 10th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Tatqiq…sharing her carrots! How sweet is that? Re: Chinook, I can’t say it’s sad. A little disappointing, maybe. Just a fact of life/nature. Bears are so unique, in that they bear their young in specific conditions. But, like Kristi in Austin said: Chinook, we not giving up on you! It will be good to see the trio together again.
Moderator: Any chance AI will be used in the future?
Moderator’s note: I’ll forward your question to JoAnne.
December 10th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Well, darn it!! I was sure hoping that Chinook would have a cub or two for us to watch on the cam! YUK!!! Oh well, there will be another breeding season coming up, and Chinook will be doing her part to get pregnant and have a cub or two. I’m glad that Tatgig will be joining Chinook in the breeding program next year! The more cubs, the more fun to watch them! I also hope that you all will keep the den and the dencam intact for Chinook and/or Tatqiq.
I was on the Zooborns website a couple of days ago, and there are 3 working videos that is on the website of a mother polar bear giving birth to her 2 cubs. The videos came from Zoo Sauvage of St. Felicien, Ontario, Canada, and the mother polar bear’s name is Aisaqvaq. She gave birth to the 2 cubs on Mon., Nov. 30, 2009—one cub at 7:48pm, the second cub at 10:22pm. This is a huge first for this zoo in Canada, and seeing the birth of the cubs on video is a very rare opportunity for all of us since it is very difficult to see this happen in the wild. When you watch the videos, you will notice one thing about these cubs—THEY ARE SCREAMERS!! They will screech and scream during their first full day of life after birth! LUNG POWER!! Mother polar bear needed some ear plugs after all of that commotion going on in the den. On the last video, you will hear the cubs do this chuffing sound while they are nursing from their mom. A very welcome sound for the polar bear keepers up there! That chuffing sound will sound like an old car trying to start. The other thing that I saw on the vids was the size of the 2 cubs. Hang on to your seats, everybody! The 2 polar bear cubs are pretty much the same size as a baby panda after birth—THEY ARE THE SIZE OF A STICK OF BUTTER!! I was shocked to find that out! I couldn’t believe that when I saw the size of the cubs because I thought that these cubs would be born a little bit bigger with some thick baby fur on them to keep them warm along with their mother’s body heat because of where they come from—above the Arctic Circle. WOW!!! Did I learn something from those vids or what! That gave me a much better appreciation for these huge bears and what the moms have to go thru to get their newborn cubs thru that very harsh, freezing Arctic winter until they are ready to come out of the den in the spring. Mother polar bears are very remarkable moms to keep their cubs going and growing in a very tough environment. Hopefully, these vids from St. Felicien will help more people to understand why we must do our utmost to keep these bears around and alive, and do something about the climate change that is going on in the Arctic regions. The polar bears deserve alot more than what they are getting now.
You all are very instrumental in keeping that conservation effort alive thru your various programs that you have at SDZ and thru cooperation with other polar bear conservation organizations. Keep that going, ok? Even tho Chinook didn’t get pregnant this time, her time will be coming soon! I feel that both Chinook and Tatqiq will be great mothers to their cubs someday!
Go to the Zooborns website, and you will see the videos on their front page. If they are not on their front page, go to the next page to see the vids. They are awesome to watch!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: Just to clarify: Tatqiq is not part of our breeding program, as we don’t want to breed her with her brother, Kalluk.
December 10th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
I was so looking forward to a baby Polar Bear. The next time around may be better.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
If real pregnancy is not in the offing this time around, I am glad that Chinook is showing signs of interest in her two friends again. Although we would all love to have a cub or cubs, we are happy to watch the trio playing and enjoying each other’s company. Hopefully the second time around Chinook and Kalluk will be successful in their breeding and 2010 will being little white paws. This allows more time for everyone to get the ultrasound routine perfected, and the exhibits totally finished. If nothing else, it allows you to have a separate yard when/if needed for special alone time. It might even be a good haven for Tatqiq when three becomes a crowd during breeding season. As I recall she was sort of pushed off on her own for a couple of months so it will be nice to have a solitary place to go if needed.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Hey, Moderator! I didn’t know that Tatqiq and Kalluk are related to each other! But is there a plan in place to possibly do an AI procedure on Tatqiq whenever she does go into her heat cycle? Hope so, but I don’t know how well AI procedures have worked on mother polar bears in zoo settings. Maybe you can find that out for us, ok? Will appreciate some more great education about these bears!
Thanks,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
JoAnne responds: AI has never been attempted with polar bears. At this point in time too little is known about polar bear reproduction to even attempt it. Hopefully this will change in the future!
December 12th, 2009 at 6:40 am
Dear Moderator, Chinook and all, Just Do It next time! May the force be with you! Thank you for all the great information on Polars and their sweetness!
Also Happy Holidays to all bloggers and SDZ staff and animal critters!
Sincerely,
Joellen Megan
Iowa City IA
December 12th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Cheri, #26, it is my understanding that Tatqiq is on birth control so I doubt she will go into heat.
December 12th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Have you cut back on Chinook’s high calorie diet with the thought that this was pseudopregnancy, or are they waiting a few more weeks to be sure. Since breeding season is just around the corner in Spring of 2010, perhaps they will give her a lower calorie diet until things “heat up” again. Remember this is Chinook and Kalluk’s first real breeding. Second time around is hopefully the charm. Maybe they can get lessons from Gao Gao and Bai Yun?
December 12th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Two bears are having a grand day out in the pool! I saw three plastic balls in the water: yellow, green, and purple. I think Kalluk has his paws on just about all of them, while Tatqiq is snacking happily on the carrots. Thanks Meerkats for the wonderful camera work!
December 13th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Mixed emotions now, right? Happy Chinook is back with the others, disappointed the pregnancy was false. Will be watching for more news one day, hoping for a polar bear cub.
December 13th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Am I seeing correctly that there are two bears sharing a shelf bed (with the pink tubing on it)? Is this Chinook and Kalluk, again, or Tatqiq with her brother? They seem to be comforting each other and having a very sound sleep!
December 13th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Someone is having a delightful time lying down, rubbing their face and upper back in the palm fronds! Do they give off a nice scent that they enjoy or is it just fun to scratch against it? I’ve never done it myself!
December 13th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I’m sorry that Chinook won’t have a cub this year. I know that you are learning a lot at every step, however, and that you will have successes in the future. With breeding season just around the corner, we can hopefully repeat an oft-used sports adage: “Maybe next year!”
December 14th, 2009 at 9:58 am
#29 Margaret
Yes, we are gradually lowering her calorie amount and increasing her amount of carrots!
December 14th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Oh, YUK. Not diet food!
December 14th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Its about 7:40 pm — and I’m not sure if I am seeing correctly — but it sure looks like there are 2 bears sharing a cuddle/sleep together — it’s so sweet! Is this Chinook and Kalluk? If so, it really looks like they missed each other.
December 15th, 2009 at 12:24 am
Looks like there might be two bears on the rocks (that sounds like a great name for a drink; can I have a bear on the rocks please?!!) but I can’t be sure as they are in the right upper corner of the cam and I can only see the bottom half – a huge paw!
December 15th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I’m lying here watching my three favorite polar bears. Their eating, swimming and one is walking around tring to figure out what kind of trouble to get into next. Perfect for me since I’m recovery from major surgery. When all of a sudden, the camera moves! I’m wondering why change the angle when it’s perfect. Whoever is controlling it moves it so we can all see where Chinook loves to ply in the dirt. This would have been appreciated, if she had been there. It’s been 45 minutes and nothing. I know they’re all three together, and it’s been quite awhile since they’ve had the opportunity to play together, and we can’t watch them any longer. Some of you are probably thinking, get a life! For the time being, this is it. Spinal surgery is rather restrictive. I truly love and appreciate the live cams. We do visit the Zoo and Wild Animal Park every 6 weeks or so and have been members with a large family for years. Sorry to complain, maybe it will help in the future.
Moderator’s note: I don’t know what happened, Sandy, but the Cam is now focused back on two bears. Get well quickly!
December 16th, 2009 at 10:49 am
looking at a very sleepy,dirty bear sunning on the rock with palm fronds… something is tickling their nose–:)
December 17th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Well, if a cub isn’t to be, at least the 3 are back together again. It’s good that they are able to share each other’s company. We’ll enjoy seeing all of them until next time. Maybe the second time will be the charm?!
December 18th, 2009 at 9:25 am
One very roly poly polar bear is very brown and very happy on top of palm fronds on the mulch/mud bed. Must be Chinook from the looks from distance. She sure had a good time rolling and getting VERY dirty. Glad to know that she is getting back to normal. Maybe her whiskers will grow with all the extra carrots! LOL.
I am getting very excited about my visit in early-January. 22 years is way too long to be away from your favorite zoo and wild animal park. And, the extra treat is that I am bringing the “boy” who was 2 at the time of our last visit so we can enjoy the changes together as adults. He will see it from a whole different perspective. Last time he was in a stroller and Basi was on exhibit. This time we will hopefully get to see at least Su Lin and Zhen Zhen, and if we are really lucky maybe Yun Zi and Bai Yun.
December 18th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Darn, Darn, Darn.
December 18th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I hope next year is going to bring new cubs. All of us were so looking forward to some new little polar bears footprints. We are indeed fortunate to have the three bears currently in residence. Keeping my fingers crossed that next year will bring some little ones, too.
December 21st, 2009 at 10:54 am
Training for the swimming competition in the Polar Olympics is in full swing in the Plunge pool. Having a great time entertaining polar and human spectators.
December 21st, 2009 at 10:58 am
Is it Chinook or Tatqiq who likes to swim laps? One bear is swimming and two are watching. Since the observers are very chummy and sniffing each other my guess is that Chinook and Kalluk are watching and Tatqiq is swimming. It is great to see the three bears out together again and enjoying each other’s company. I am so thankful that Chinook was rejuvenated two years ago when they became a trio after Shikari’s death. It added a whole new dimension to all their lives and that of their fans.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:30 am
Margaret, I believe it’s Chinook that does the laps.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:03 pm
a very busy dirty looking bear is on the rocks now eating their snacks…but– they are dipping them in the water first as if to wash it off first! smart bear!!!
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:53 am
Just wanted to wish the entire sdz family a wonderful merry Xmas may you enjoy building more memories with your family. And to the rest of the polar bear bloggers as well.
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Oh my. Chinook needs some bubble bath! She is making up for lost time and is looking rather “chocolate” at the moment!!!
A very Merry Christmas to our beloved bears! May they dream of snow and ice and fun chasing around the plunge! Will Santa bring these Arctic animals anything special this year?
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Well Darn it I was oh so looking forward to a little Nook, and planning my vaca around the cubs arrival… Please keep us posted with any updates
December 24th, 2009 at 6:04 am
Merry Christmas to all the bears and their devoted keepers.
December 24th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Bummer that Chinook isn’t pregnant. Wish we could take postcards like with panda cam. I LOVE those bears!
December 24th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I was just watching Kalluk throw his purple ball out of the water and up onto the rock…..I think you need to put up a hoop for him……lol. Kalluk the basketball playing polar bear. lol So cute, how he entertains himself.
December 24th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
What is more fun than rolling in the mulch pile? Doing it with a friend! Someone is having a great time rolling away. It is hard to tell if it is one bear or two. At first I thought it was two, but then realized it may be one that has an enrichment toy they are rolling with. Whatever it is, they are having a great time.
Merry Christmas to Chinook, Kalluk, and Tatqiq, and their extended human “family”. Next year is looking very exciting with or without cub(s) with the opening of the renovated exhibit. Looking forward to seeing you in two weeks.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of the polar bears, keepers, staff, vets! Have a very nice Christmas with your family and friends!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
December 25th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
We were just there to see the polar bears yesterday. There was only one bear out (not sure who) and he/she was limping. It looked like the back left foot was hurt. I hope they are ok.
JoAnne responds: Tatqiq had a very sore back foot on Thursday. We gave her a little rest and relaxation for the last two days, and yes, some very special spa days. Yesterday, although still a little sore, she was ready to go out and join her buddies Chinook and Kalluk.
December 26th, 2009 at 10:51 am
JoAnne, how is Chinook’s weight management coming? I notice carrots everywhere outside the pool, and a large bear leaning out of the pool in their direction. It looks like it could be Chinook since they are obviously very round, more than I remember seeing on Kalluk, but with extra fur folds. The extra fur is what leads me to think it might be Chinook in her transforming figure.
When do you anticipate breeding season to be in 2010? As I recall in Dec 2008 / Jan 2009 Kalluk and Chinook started showing signs of increasing familiarity. I think their actual matings occurred in March time frame?? Do you anticipate the same behavior pattern this year? It seems that in pandas a pseudopregnancy doesn’t delay that cyclical process very much each year. So, my guess is that in polar bears the same is true. However, since it has been 30 years since you had mating polar bears and a lot has been learned in those 30 years, that may not be accurate.
December 26th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Bummer!!!! I was really hoping to see some polar bear cubs!
December 26th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
#53– ME TOO! I wish I was rich enough to donate some cams!
December 27th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I think that’s Kalluk who sits at the table the wrong way ’round. He’s got too big to fit in the traditional seat. I see Tatqiq in his old seat a lot.
December 28th, 2009 at 5:50 am
Bears out swimming at 6:00am- How cool is that!- Literally..:)
Here in KC we have over a foot of snow they would love to play in!
December 29th, 2009 at 10:34 am
I just received my zoonooz and was able to get a glimpse of what’s to come at the plunge. I’m so excited for my future visit in march. Moderator, since the plunge will be closed at the beginning of Jan; will our three wonderful bears still be allowed out to the plunge for us to watch on the cameras or will they have lots of spa days? JoAnne I hope tatqiqs foot gets better I know she’s getting all the tlc she can handle. Maybe you can throw in some foot rubs on her spa days. As always thanks for the updates.
Moderator’s note: I’ll forward your question to JoAnne.
December 29th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Any update on our love birds? When does the mating season start? Bet they have been loving the cooler temps lately — it’s downright COLD at night. All the better to snuggle with the one you love best!
December 31st, 2009 at 1:53 pm
How do you examine her back foot? If she needs treatment (x-ray, meds) how would that be done?
December 31st, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Poor Tatqiq. I hope she is okay and her foot will mend nicely. Any idea what she did to it?
January 1st, 2010 at 9:55 am
Lots of virtual hugs for Tatqiq. Hope her foot gets well soon. Love to Chinook and Kalluk too.
January 1st, 2010 at 5:58 pm
#58 Margaret
Chinook is slowly getting back into a weight we’d like to see, and yes, she is eating many more carrots to make up for the difference. Also she is now playing more with Kalluk and Tatqiq, so having the weight off is making her more active and thus also helping to reduce some weight.
Re breeding season: We are expecting a similar timing as last year. Already Kalluk is testing the scents. Every morning he slurps a little around where Chinook has been and then decides not yet and goes off to play. You’ll still be able to keep track of everything on the Polar Cam in the event things “heat” up in the next few months!
#65 Sue Martz
Tatqiq easily turns her foot toward us, and we can look at all sides. If a more thorough exam were necessary, we might need to sedate her since we don’t have equipment that would survive a polar bear’s inquisitiveness! Happily, she has made a complete recovery with only two spa days necessary. Do you think she planned that?
January 1st, 2010 at 8:26 pm
I’ve watched Knut and Gianna at the Berlin Zoo lately. Although supposedly they’re not old enough to mate yet, I notice him checking her out all the time too, especially her footprints. Young love!
Has that thing about the scent glands on their feet been proven to be true? Also I noticed that his testicles descended when he discovered love. I’ve read that that only happens in mating season and that the rest of the year they remain inside the male’s body (where it’s warmer). Whatever happens, it seems that is all runs riot in a male polar bear’s body!
Maybe if Tatqiq had planned it, she’d have wanted a whole week and two were all she could milk out of the situation! What happens at the spa?
Moderator’s note: Read a previous post, Polar Bear Spa Days.
January 2nd, 2010 at 6:25 am
some bear out for early 6am swim– vigorously I must say as well! They are flipping and tossing something white all around and going diving for it! What a thrill to watch!
January 2nd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Munchie time with a clean bear and a dirty bear. I think I know who is who! They really love those carrots! Their teeth must be glistening and their eyesight keen!
January 2nd, 2010 at 6:39 pm
I’d stay a week at least.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:14 am
Cindy #70 I wonder if that could have been one of their favourite toys, a bone, that you saw. It gets tossed in the air, bounced off walls and keeps them happy for hours. I can’t remember for sure, but I think it may be Kalluk that loves playing with it.
JoAnne, of course Tatqiq planned it. She’s a lady and we always plan things very well. She wanted to look glamorous for Christmas and New Year.
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:03 pm
A lovely closeup of whom I believe is Chinook. Her face and neck are nice and white, but the rest of her is black dirt! She is content as can be, lying on some burlap or something, on a dirt bed, stretching, looking blissfully around. What a happy girl!
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
a 4:00pm nap for a very dirty bear! Head and neck are white- shoulders on down
very dirty! someone has been happily rolling!
January 4th, 2010 at 12:16 am
A short while after midnight and a grubby bear is curled up fast asleep, probably dreaming of carrots. I hear your weather is rather nice in San Diego at the moment, would love to swap it for the freezing cold UK weather. Brrrr!
January 4th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
I see Chinook out there, and she’s thin again! I rather miss the lovely, round tummy, but my bigger question is how did she get so thin so fast?
January 4th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
YES – please share Chinook’s diet secret with us — I still need to shed some holiday pounds!! Sweet, sweet bears!
January 5th, 2010 at 8:26 am
#77 and #78
Carrots and having fun with Kalluk and Tatqiq!
January 6th, 2010 at 11:33 am
Oooh, a plastic tubby? And what will the bears do with this enrichment? Put it in the water, climb in, and see who floats, or play water basketball with it?
January 7th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Carrots and exercise!! So it’s the same for bears as those of us with extra holiday pounds to shed!
January 7th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
It has been about a month since anything has been posted from a keeper regarding the bears. Can you share any new happenings or news with those who faithfully follow the trio?
Moderator’s note: JoAnne promises a post in the next week or so. Thank you for your patience.
January 9th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Thanks for all the info … I love the questions and comments from the other ‘polie’ lovers … I would love more info on what an ‘average’ (ha ha!) day of activity and care consists of, for both the polies and the keepers.
Really appreciate all you do for the polar bears … AND the patience you extend to all of us!!
January 10th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Well, I see that Kalluk has already got love on his mind again. I agree with him that that Chinook is looking pretty cuddly and cute … if a bit muddy.
January 11th, 2010 at 9:35 am
bear playing with a tub!! how awesome!!
January 12th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Hi there, I was wondering if we are going to get a new blog posting. It’s been over a month…… Thank you.
Moderator’s note: JoAnne has promised to write one when she is able to do so. She has not forgotten her polar bear fans
January 12th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Just curious as it looks as tho’ I may be at SDZ before the March 26th opening date of the plunge – can the bears be seen during this time?
Moderator’s note: No, the exhibit area is closed to guests until then.
January 13th, 2010 at 10:05 am
Watching a bear with carrots. Thank you for the lovely close-ups of the bears you are giving us, it really is much appreciated. It’s so relaxing to watch a bear that’s relaxed too! Is it Tatqiq (around 10am SDZ time), as this bear is too clean to be Chinook and not big enough to be Kalluk.
January 13th, 2010 at 10:07 am
OK, well Tatqiq(?) is now sitting on the carrots! Maybe this bear is trying to tell you that they would like some BABY carrots? Sorry, appalling joke!
January 13th, 2010 at 10:25 am
Oh no, no, noooooo!!!!!!! Ack!!!! My 7 year old and I are flying cross country from New Hampshire to SD the second week in Feb and *all* he talks about is seeing Kalluk, Tatqiq, and Chinook. Those polar bears, whom he checks on daily on the webcam, are the only thing he wants to see on our visit LOL. He’s going to be DEVASTATED when I tell him, absolutely devastated. He still sleeps with the stuffed polar bear we got at the zoo gift shop when we were last there when he was a baby. He sobbed when Chinook’s sister died. What awful timing our trip is
( I just checked and we can’t change our tickets…. darn, darn darn. Sigh…. he’s going to be so upset.
I grew up going to the SDZ. I’m from SD, it’s my home and I miss it so much; so I know that when the plunge opens it will be even more fantastic, for everyone to enjoy, esp the bears. But even I’m a bit disappointed that I won’t be able to see those 3 magnificent bears. They’re lucky to have such a great zoo and staff to give them such a great environment to live in while trying to learn from them to protect their species.
Keep up the great work SDZ!!
Moderator’s note: You can sometimes see the bears from the entrance ramp to the Skyfari ride (the west end), if that helps…
January 14th, 2010 at 10:48 am
#90, Colleen, take the bus tour and you should be able to see the polar bears great from the upper deck. I got some fabulous zoom photos of two of them this past Monday from the bus, and the bus was moving very slowly. During the construction they are not allowed to stop. We went back and could see the bears through openings in the trees and the mesh. Your son should do fine seeing his white bear friends.
Question for Jo Anne and other Polar Bear Keepers – Can you tell any difference in the bears behaviors while they are “off public display?” I was just watching them on cam, and saw them from a distance at the zoo on Monday. It appears that they don’t seem to mind the absence of public viewing. There is plenty of construction noise around them, but they don’t appear to react to it. I guess it is enrichment of another kind, a change in noises.
Do you anticipate any breeding behavior from Chinook and Kalluk during the time that they are “off display?” As I recall their main breeding activity in 2009 was in March-April, and the exhibit will be open again by then. I wonder if the lack of human distractions will enhance their breeding season and the probability of a successful mating.
January 14th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
There’s been some fantastic play in the pool today. All three having a lot of fun. And did I see naughty Kalluk push one of the girls into the pool? Is that big yellow ball a treat ball (without the treats)? I love it when they throw it and water gushes out of the holes!
January 15th, 2010 at 9:06 am
silly question- new activities for the Polie ‘guest’s ‘ or the visitor ‘guest’s’?
Moderator’s note: Both!
January 15th, 2010 at 9:28 am
Alright JoAnne I know you’re busy preparing the bears for their new digs outside…but can we please have an update? I was also wondering as I went through my pictures of my last visit to sea world if mating with that polar bear ws a possibility? And I couldn’t help notice that the new exhibit was going to be alot like the way sea world has there’s set up except for the breathing hole. Well please keep us informed.
January 15th, 2010 at 9:55 am
#93, if you can get a copy of January 2010 Zoogoer Magazine, there is a great article on the new features for guests at the Polar Bear Plunge. It is worth the wait.
January 15th, 2010 at 10:54 am
Thanks Margaret! We’ll definitely do the bus tour then. As long as he gets to see them, he’ll be okay, I think. LOL I still haven’t told him… I’m too chicken!! LOL
January 15th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
#91 Margaret
The bears are doing well but the big stuff has not yet begun. I do think they miss the guests, though. When ever anyone walks in the construction zone or is over by the experience wall they all run over to say hi. I suspect that when the exhibit re-opens in March they will be ecstatic to have their fans back!
And yes, we do expect breeding behavior to occur anytime in the next few months. Kalluk is already beginning to show variation in his behavior every day. Some days he’s a little sleepy and beginning to have the breeding “haze” in his eyes and little interest in food. Other days he’s his normal self, playing, tormenting the girls, and chowing down. These changes seem to happen more often as we get closer to breeding time. We are also watching Chinook. She is showing the beginnings of her flirtation to Kalluk but still interacting with Tatqiq, so she’s not ready yet!
January 16th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
would you ever show polar mating like you did panda, or is that all done “the other way”, not natural way???
Moderator’s note: Polar Cam viewers saw lots of interaction last year and probably will see some again.
January 17th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Chinook’s having a great time lapping the pool and, every so often, popping out for some yummy carrots before carrying on.
January 18th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Chinook is having a great mulch bath this afternoon. At first I thought she had her head buried in a hole was digging but then I saw her ears at the other end and realized she was pushing mulch around with her feet getting herself totally covered in dirty mulch. The mulch looks wet so I am wondering if the rains you are expecting have arrived. It is gorgeous day in VA, sunny clear skies like last Monday in SD, but it is only upper 50s here and it was about 80 there. Hope the folks on the upper deck of the bus are getting great views and photos of the mulch pile action. I am amazed at how clear and close my photos were. I got a couple hundred straight last night for presentation to school kids tomorrow, and church group in a couple of weeks. Want to spread the “wealth” and encourage people to go visit SD ASAP, especially March 20-21 for Panda Convention or after March 26 when Polar Plunge reopens with new guest experiences.
January 18th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Thanks for the update JoAnne. I am sorry I didn’t get to meet you when I was at the zoo last week.
We will keep our eyes peeled for the love “birds” to start their “friendship” in earnest. There were two bears playing on the rocks and then dove in for a swim and more playing in the water. My guess is that it was Kalluk and Chinook because I haven’t seen this type of behavior from the other two combinations before. Do you find them staying close to the end of the pool where the buses pass and their fans can see them?
January 19th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
I had just heard on the news that sd had been issued a tornado warning. The warning for lb just expired. But I was wondering with more storms on the way how do you protect the animals? I just checked on my bears and they don’t seem to mind since someone is enjoying some laps. I was just wondering what precautions are taken for all animals including our favorite bears. Be safe everyone.
Moderator’s note: Our animals all have shelters they can use if they wish.
January 19th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Sorry to hear Chinook is not pregnant but glad to hear the next breeding season is right around the corner. My understanding is this polar bear couple can breed naturally so AI is not needed.
January 20th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Hi! Thought I would give you all an update about the twin polar bear cubs that were born at Zoo Sauvage, Quebec, Canada. Zooborns website gave us an update and video of the cubs this week. Aisaqvaq, the mom, has really been a great mom for the cubs in the last 6 weeks. They are thriving under her care, getting their milk, and staying warm under her thick fur. The cubs have grown from the butterstick sizes to the size of a newborn pup, they have their white fur, and their eyes are open. They are trying to start crawling, but they haven’t gotten the hang of that yet. Also, when you listen to the video, you’ll hear that their voices have gotten a little bit deeper than when they were born when they were just squealing their lungs out! Momma is taking very good care of them! Don’t know the gender of the cubs yet because the keepers and vets don’t want to disturb the mom right now. She’s still pretty protective of them! Check out Zooborns to see the video! Also, there’s a link to Zoo Sauvage for you to go into. They have more updates and videos of these cubs! They are just toooooooo cute! This makes me hope real hard for Chinook to have polar bear cubs herself hopefully this year!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
January 21st, 2010 at 10:46 am
I love the fact that the bears are having so much fun swimming and playing in the pool — while the rest of us in So. Cal are running for cover trying to stay dry in the seemingly never-ending rain. Good for them — glad someone’s enjoying the weather!
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:46 am
Well. someone’s very cosy, underneath the rock with their head on a rolled up rug and palm fronds just a paw’s length away. Can I share the rug pillow please? It looks really comfy.
January 22nd, 2010 at 2:17 pm
That was Tatqiq. I was watching her too. It wasn’t a rug, I think it was strips of bark of some kind, and it must have had a strong scent. She really appeared to be wallowing in it.
January 23rd, 2010 at 9:29 am
Happy to see the sun finally has come out in Sunny Southern California. Glad we had great weather while we were there. Hopefully it will dry out quickly and the displaced families can get back into their homes. Also glad the animals were not adversely affected. They seemed to be mildly aware of the rain and took cover in various shelters when it rained really hard. Not good time to be a keeper whose job was to replenish outside exhibits.
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:01 pm
103-Marilyn: I do understand that Kalluk and Chinook can mate naturally. My inquiry about AI was merely curiosity about using it as a step to insure pregnancy. JoAnne has since replied that not enough is known to try that method any time soon. So my curiosity is answered.
January 24th, 2010 at 11:30 am
Come on guys…..we haven’t had a blog since Dec. 9th. Could you write some stuff every so often and just let us know what the trio are up to these days? I love to hear about their personalities, interaction with the trainers and each other and the interesting things that they do.:>)
Moderator’s note: Patience, Jodie! And please remember: writing blog posts is not really in our keepers’ job description, but they do it when they have the time.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:44 am
I’ll tell you I sure am jealous if the construction workers having the bears all to themselves. It seems as if the bears have gotten used to them because a worker knealt down in front of the glass and the bear repositioned itself to be on the other side of the glass. I’m looking forward to my trip in march so I can look into those amazing eyes myself once again.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:22 am
Oh my goodness! Chinook is soooo dirty that she’s left an imprint of her body on the rock. What a state she’s in, even her face. Go Chinook!
January 26th, 2010 at 11:06 am
just popped on– one bear is swimming rather happily and even looks like they are doing a back stroke!! happy bears!
January 26th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Watching the three polar bears having a great time in the pool. They seem to get along so great. I guess they are very social bears amongst their own.
Keep it up – enjoy watching you.
Shirley from Canada
January 26th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Lovely view of the three bears in the plunge at the same time! Chinook is doing her elegant laps while Tatqiq and Kalluk are romping in the shallows to see who can dunk whom!
January 26th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Just spotted Chinook having a morning constitutional with her large furry shadow following behind.
February 1st, 2010 at 7:21 pm
February 1, about 7:15, what a beautiful picture of someone large white fluffy, and sleepy. My cat is white, and often I wish he were a real live boy…..he he…..I wish also I could hug a polar bear while they are sleeping…that shot is SO cute……shhhhhh sleepy bear !
February 26th, 2010 at 7:20 am
Well what about that video where you were giving Chinook an ultrasound and there was “supposedly” a baby inside her? And didn’t they say she was pregnant? Im not trying to be mean or anything Im just confused
Moderator’s note: It turned out to be a false pregnancy, which is common in bears.
February 26th, 2010 at 7:26 am
Oops never mind sorry