Como Zoo welcomes new polar bears

Como Zoo’s polar bears Neil and Buzz have new neighbors. Twin polar bears, a female named Suka (pronounced SOO-kah) and a male named Sakari (pronounced Suh-KAR-ee), came from the Toledo Zoo where they were born in November, 2012.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institutions, such as Como Zoo and the Toledo Zoo, work together caring, and often times moving animals in order to best preserve the species lineage. The Toledo Zoo is nationally known for its reproductive success with polar bears and has been home to six polar bear cubs over the last eight years.

Suka and Sakari can now be seen in Como’s world class exhibit, “Polar Bear Odyssey,” which  features 13,140 square feet of outdoor polar bear living space, and a 3,260 square foot state-of-the-art holding building with large indoor bedrooms, a cub den, daylight and pools.

“We thought it may take a bit of time for them to get accustomed to being away from Toledo and their mom,” said Allison Jungheim, Como’s Senior Zookeeper. “It’s very reassuring to see how well and quickly they have adapted to their new surroundings.”

While the young polar bears and Como’s older, and much larger, resident polar bears Buzz and Neil are only a few yards away, they do not share the same space. A unique feature of the Polar Bear Odyssey structure is the two separate habitat areas that are joined together by a corridor. This allows the two groups of polar bears to each have their own exhibit and to also transfer from one exhibit to the other. Because of this feature, along with Como’s experience caring for multiple groups of bears and Como’s reputation, the Polar Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP) committee, with the backing of the AZA, chose Como Zoo as the facility for the bears.

“Polar bears at zoos serve as ambassadors for their species,” said Michelle Furrer, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory’s Director. “They aid in educating our public on the impact they can have in protecting their habitat in the wild so this species can survive.”

Como Zoo has managed polar bears as a part of its animal collection for over forty years. The current bears include the nearly 19 year-old twin brothers Buzz (990 lbs) and Neil (1035 lbs), and now the nearly 2 year-old twins Suka (female 400 lbs) and Sakari (male 600 lbs).

“They’re very busy swimming, playing, and generally having fun exploring the exhibit,” added Furrer. “We have some very happy, healthy bears.”