Paws Up for Polar Bears
November 16 - 17, 2024
9:00AM - 3:30PM
Step into the Arctic Tundra and meet polar bears Astra & Laerke. Discover how polar bears survive in their frozen Arctic home and find out how we care for and protect these amazing marine mammals.
Wild About Polar Bears
Polar Bear Keeper Chats
Daily at 11:45am
Join us for a Keeper Chat at 11:45am. Learn about Astra and Laerke, how we care for them at the Zoo, and what you can do to help polar bears in the wild. You'll hear about what it takes to provide these magnificent creatures with a safe and enriching environment.
Daily presentations
It's a polar bear
Birthday bash!
Join us in celebrating Astra and Laerke, the polar bear sisters, as they enjoy some fun birthday-themed enrichment at 11:45am daily! These two will be turning 4 years old on November 17. Come party with us and make their special day even more memorable!
Meet Astra & Laerke
Take action
together
We support conservation research and education to secure a future for polar bears across the Arctic. Join us in continuing the climate conversation and finding opportunities to contribute to collective solutions in your community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.
Learn more
Event Activities
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Snap a Selfie - With our Paws Up for Polar Bears photo op! | |
| Awesome Adaptations - Examine the paws, teeth, and claws of a polar bear to discover how well adapted they are for their frozen Arctic home. | |
| Tracking Station - Discover how researchers track polar bears in the Arctic through the interactive Polar Bear Tracker map. | |
| Climate Stories - Watch footage of wild polar bears in the Arctic, learn how climate change impacts them, and share your own climate story. | |
| Fun with Fur - Explore fur from Arctic animals and find out how each is uniquely suited to help the animal survive. | |
| 11:45am | Keeper Chat & Birthday Enrichment - Meet a polar bear keeper and watch the bears enjoy their birthday enrichments. |
Dog Nights of Summer
Dog Nights of Summer
Adults (18+) only, dogs welcome!
5:30 - 8 p.m.
Find Information
Arctic Sea Ice Weekend
Arctic Sea Ice Weekend
Keeper chats, enrichments, and climate action.
July 11-12.
Find Information
Take Action for Polar Bears
Polar bears in the wild are facing the dramatic effects of climate change. Join us in a discussion of our changing climate and discover how you can play a vital role in helping wild polar bears and other Arctic animals.