Honoring Nan, Neil, Astra, and Kulu, and protecting moms and cubs across the Arctic

Every year on February 27, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory joins people around the world in recognizing International Polar Bear Day, a day created by Polar Bears International to shine a light on one of the most important and vulnerable times in a polar bear’s life. During this period, polar bear mothers are tucked away with their newborn cubs in snow dens across the Arctic, caring for tiny arrivals that depend completely on them for warmth, safety, and survival.

Here at Como, we proudly celebrate our own polar bear family: Nan, Neil, Astra, and Kulu. Each bear has a unique story and a special place in the hearts of our visitors, volunteers, and staff. And this year brings an extra feeling of excitement. With Astra and Kulu forming a strong bond, we are hopeful that the future may bring cubs to Como Zoo. This hopeful possibility makes International Polar Bear Day feel especially meaningful.

Why International Polar Bear Day matters

In the wild, newborn cubs are incredibly small and fragile. They enter the world blind and helpless, and rely entirely on their mother for food, warmth, and protection. Only about half of all cubs survive to adulthood. Their success depends on a healthy Arctic ecosystem, which is changing rapidly as temperatures rise and sea ice melts.

Mothers and cubs are among the most at risk. They need stable sea ice to hunt, travel, and raise their young. As sea ice seasons grow shorter, the challenges facing polar bear families increase.

International Polar Bear Day encourages all of us to learn, share, and take simple actions that support conservation efforts across the Arctic. Even small changes, made by many people, can create meaningful progress.

Como and conservation

Como is proud to support conservation organizations like Polar Bears International, who work tirelessly to protect polar bear families through research, outreach, and science based action. By caring for polar bears here in Minnesota, we also help tell the story of their wild relatives and inspire visitors to care about the future of the Arctic.

Whether you visit to see Nan lounging on the rocks, Neil swimming laps, or Astra and Kulu exploring together, your connection to these amazing bears helps build understanding and support for their wild counterparts.

Join the global celebration

We invite everyone to take part in International Polar Bear Day by learning more from Polar Bears International and helping spread awareness about the importance of protecting moms and cubs across the Arctic.

Follow and share at:
Facebook: @PolarBearsInternational
Instagram: @polarbearsinternational
TikTok: @polarbearsinternational 
LinkedIn: Polar Bears International
YouTube: @PolarbearsinternationalOrg
BlueSky Social: @polarbearsinternational.org

Together we can celebrate the bears we love here at Como and support a brighter future for their wild relatives.