MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 – We’re thrilled to share that Astra, our four-year-old female polar bear, made her public debut today in the deep-water side of Polar Bear Odyssey!
Astra arrived Thursday evening from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, as part of a nationwide conservation effort to ensure a healthy, sustainable population of polar bears in accredited zoos.
For now, Astra will remain separated from Como’s other bears, Kulu, Nan, and Neil, but they can all see, smell, and hear each other. These gradual introductions help the bears get used to one another safely and comfortably. Over the coming weeks and months, our animal care team will continue this slow and careful process, with hopes that Astra and Kulu will eventually form a special connection.
Come say hello to Astra during your next visit! Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 – We have big news to share….Como Park Zoo & Conservatory has a brand-new polar bear! 🌟
Astra, a four-year-old, 700-pound female polar bear, arrived safely at Como Zoo last evening from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. Her move is part of a collaborative effort among accredited zoos to help ensure a bright future for this threatened species. Astra’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter for our Polar Bear Odyssey, and for all of us who love these amazing Arctic ambassadors!
While Astra settles into her new surroundings, she will spend some time behind the scenes in quarantine as part of her normal arrival process. During this period, she may not be visible to the public right away. Como’s animal care team will carefully monitor her adjustment and determine when she’s ready to explore the outdoor habitat. We’ll be sure to share updates, and announce her public debut, on our Facebook, Instagram, and X pages as soon as she’s ready!
Astra is here as part of a national conservation and breeding effort led by the Polar Bear Population Alliance (PBPA), a group of accredited zoos working together to maintain a sustainable and genetically diverse polar bear population in the United States. Como Zoo is proud to be a key partner in this effort — and even prouder that our very own Senior Zookeeper Allison Jungheim serves as the Polar Bear Program Leader, Studbook Keeper, and a member of the PBPA Management Group.
“Astra is a young, energetic bear with tremendous potential,” said Jungheim. “Her genetics are valuable to the population, and we’re optimistic that, in time, she and Kulu will form a strong bond that contributes to the sustainability of this threatened species. The next few weeks will be focused on helping her settle in and feel comfortable in her new surroundings.”
Astra’s journey to Como is extra special — she’ll eventually be paired with Kulu, our five-year-old male polar bear, as part of a carefully planned breeding recommendation. Together, they bring hope for future polar bear cubs, helping to secure the long-term health of the species in human care.
For now, Astra is getting settled behind the scenes in a spacious holding area and quarantine yard, where she can safely adjust to her new surroundings. She’ll be able to see, smell, and vocalize with Como’s other polar bears — Kulu, Nan, and Neil — but won’t share space with them until her quarantine period is complete.
We hope Astra will have access to the deep-water exhibit in Polar Bear Odyssey as early as this weekend, but that will depend on how she’s adjusting to her new home. Como Zoo has not yet announced a date for Astra’s public debut. Guests are encouraged to follow Como Park Zoo & Conservatory on social media for the latest updates on when you can see her splashing, exploring, and getting to know her new habitat!
Como Zoo’s award-winning Polar Bear Odyssey was designed with cubs in mind. The habitat features 13,140 square feet of outdoor space, a 3,260-square-foot holding building with large indoor bedrooms, natural light, pools, and even a special cub den. Our experienced animal care team is ready to provide Astra with the very best care as she settles in.
“This is a hopeful new chapter not only for Como Zoo but for the entire AZA polar bear community,” said Erica Prosser, Director of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. “Astra’s arrival reflects our commitment to collaborative conservation and showcases the trust placed in Como’s animal care program.”
Como Zoo has cared for polar bears for more than 40 years and is currently home to three incredible bears: Kulu (5), Nan (30), and Neil (29). Nan and Neil, two of the oldest polar bears in North America, serve as beloved ambassadors for their species — inspiring all of us to take action to protect polar bears in the wild.
Stay tuned for updates, photos, and videos as Astra settles in — we can’t wait for you to meet her!
