Denver Zoo Polar Bears Klondike and Snow were two polar bear cubs born in November 1994 at the Denver Zoo. Their mother, Ulu, abandoned them shortly after birth, and the zoo staff took on the task of hand-rearing them. The cubs quickly captured the hearts of the public, with local media following their every move during their first year of life at the zoo.
Hand-Rearing and Early Life at the Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo staff played a crucial role in the cubs’ early life, providing them with around-the-clock care. This included feeding, bathing, and socializing the cubs. The zoo’s efforts were documented in a book titled “Klondike & Snow: The Denver Zoo’s Remarkable Story of Raising Two Polar Bear Cubs,” which details their hand-rearing and early life.
The cubs were born on November 6, 1994, to their mother, Ulu. Shortly after their birth, Ulu abandoned them, leaving the Denver Zoo staff to take on the responsibility of caring for the cubs. The zoo staff worked tirelessly to ensure the cubs’ survival, providing them with round-the-clock attention and care.
The hand-rearing process was a delicate and challenging task, as the staff had to mimic the nurturing behavior of a mother polar bear. They fed the cubs a special formula, bathed them, and socialized them to ensure their healthy development. The cubs’ progress was closely monitored, and the zoo’s efforts were documented in the book “Klondike & Snow: The Denver Zoo’s Remarkable Story of Raising Two Polar Bear Cubs.”
Relocation to SeaWorld Orlando
In 1995, when the cubs were about a year old, they were relocated to SeaWorld Orlando in Florida. Here, they became a popular attraction at the park’s Wild Arctic exhibit. They remained together at SeaWorld until 2012, when they were separated due to Snow’s skin allergies.
The move to SeaWorld Orlando was a significant event in the lives of Klondike and Snow. The zoo staff had worked tirelessly to ensure their survival and healthy development, and now they were being entrusted to the care of the team at SeaWorld. The cubs quickly became a beloved attraction at the park’s Wild Arctic exhibit, where visitors could observe them in their natural habitat.
Separation and Later Life
Snow was moved to the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona, in hopes that the drier climate would alleviate her allergies. Unfortunately, Snow died several months later due to an undiagnosed heart condition. Klondike remained at SeaWorld Orlando until his death in 2013 at the age of 18.
The separation of Klondike and Snow was a difficult decision, but it was necessary to ensure Snow’s well-being. The zoo staff at SeaWorld and the Reid Park Zoo worked tirelessly to provide the best possible care for the bears, but ultimately, Snow’s health issues proved too much to overcome. Klondike, on the other hand, continued to thrive at SeaWorld Orlando until his passing in 2013 at the impressive age of 18.
Interesting Facts and Figures
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | November 6, 1994 |
| Mother | Ulu |
| Hand-Rearing | By Denver Zoo staff |
| Relocation | To SeaWorld Orlando in 1995 |
| Separation | In 2012 due to Snow’s skin allergies |
| Snow’s Death | In 2012 due to an undiagnosed heart condition |
| Klondike’s Death | In 2013 at the age of 18 |
References
- Kenny, D. E., Bickel, C., & Roling, D. (1995). Klondike & Snow: The Denver Zoo’s Remarkable Story of Raising Two Polar Bear Cubs. Roberts Rinehart.
- City Cast Denver. (2024, April 29). Remembering Snow and Klondike – City Cast Denver.
- Orlando Vacation. (n.d.). Former Denver Polar Bear Klondike Dies at SeaWorld Orlando.
- The Denver Post. (2013, September 14). Polar bear Klondike dies at SeaWorld – The Denver Post.
- The Denver Post. (2012, February 10). Polar bears Klondike and Snow parted after many years.