Captivating Columbus Zoo Polar Bear Exhibit: 5 Reasons to Visit

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Captivating Columbus Zoo Polar Bear Exhibit: 5 Reasons to Visit

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The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Polar Bear Exhibit, known as “Polar Frontier,” is a 5,342 square meter (1.32 acre) habitat designed to resemble the tundra and taiga of the Arctic. This expansive exhibit offers visitors an up-close and personal encounter with these majestic creatures, providing an immersive experience that educates and inspires.

The Polar Frontier Habitat

The Polar Frontier exhibit is a meticulously designed environment that caters to the unique needs of polar bears. It features a saltwater main pool, a freshwater surge pool, two shaded areas, a rock-work sea arch with misters, and an underwater viewing area. The outdoor area boasts dig pits, boulders, trees, mounds, a large grassed area, deadfall and caves, and shelters, as well as eye bolts for attaching enrichment items.

The exhibit’s pools are maintained between 13 and 18 degrees Celsius, with filter and cleaning systems to prevent the need for harsh chemicals. This temperature range ensures the polar bears’ comfort and well-being, allowing them to thrive in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat.

Resident Polar Bears

Columbus Zoo Polar Bear Exhibit

The Polar Frontier exhibit is home to two polar bears: Aurora, a female born on November 25, 2016, at the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium, and Lee, a male born on November 27, 1999, at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York. These magnificent animals are not true hibernators but instead go into a deep sleep called torpor, where their body temperatures do not drop significantly, and they wake up on occasion.

Conservation Efforts and Educational Initiatives

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is committed to holistic conservation efforts, particularly in Central Africa. The Polar Frontier region offers a wealth of interactive areas, science centers, and educational resources to engage visitors and inspire them to become Arctic Ambassadors.

Interactive Areas and Exhibits

  • Polar Playground: A themed play area that allows children to explore and learn about the Arctic environment.
  • Batelle Ice Bear Outpost: An indoor play area that provides a fun and educational experience for visitors.
  • Yukon Fossils & Gems Gift Shop: A retail space that offers souvenirs and educational materials related to the Arctic and its wildlife.

Educational Resources

  • Science Centers: Interactive exhibits and displays that delve into the science behind the Arctic ecosystem and the challenges faced by polar bears.
  • Storybook Learning: Engaging narratives that teach visitors about the lives and behaviors of polar bears.
  • Video Games: Interactive games that allow visitors to learn about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting the Arctic.
  • Arctic Ambassadors Videos: Informative videos that highlight the zoo’s conservation work and the role of the public in supporting these efforts.

Breeding and Species Survival Plan

In 2023, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium re-introduced polar bears Lee and Aurora in the hopes of producing cubs in the future. This initiative is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which aims to maximize genetic diversity and increase the population of threatened and endangered species in human care.

The Polar Frontier exhibit at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers a truly immersive and educational experience for visitors. By combining a meticulously designed habitat, engaging educational resources, and a commitment to conservation, the zoo provides an opportunity for guests to connect with these magnificent Arctic ambassadors and learn about the importance of protecting their fragile environment.

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