Polar Bear: how they spend their summers

Ueno Zoo is home to two Polar Bear, Ikoro (male) and Dea (female). In order to help these bears, who normally live in the polar regions where it is cool even in summer, survive the summer as comfortably as possible, the zoo has been gradually changing the way they are cared for over the past few years, taking into consideration the personalities of the two bears. In this article, we will explain the process that led to the current display method.

The Polar Ber and Seal Oceans has two Polar Bear exhibition areas: a large concrete enclosure with a large pool, and a small earthen enclosure. Previously, two polar bears were exhibited, one in each enclosure. However, the small enclosure had poor ventilation and a small water area, so several years ago, the zoo decided to use only the large enclosure during hot periods and exhibit the two polar bears in rotation.

We also changed the way the animals were displayed in the large enclosure. Previously, they were free to come and go between the air-conditioned room (room temperature 17°C) and the enclosure, and were on display until 4:30 pm. However, while Dare was often seen going inside to rest, Ikoro continued to stay out in the enclosure for long periods of time, refusing to go back inside even in the heat. Ikoro seemed to prefer to soak in the pool or stay in the enclosure near the entrance where the cool air reached, watching what was happening outside.

However, even if Ikoro himself had chosen the enclosure, there were still concerns about his health if he remained in the hot enclosure all day. On the other hand, we also felt that it would be undesirable to remove him from the exhibition and have him stay indoors all day, as this would reduce his exercise.

Therefore, in order to avoid forcing Ikoro to do too much, from 2022, we have decided to allow him to come and go freely indoors and keep him on display until 2 pm, after which he will be taken inside. Furthermore, from 2024 onwards, we will change the display to last until 11:30 am, before the shade disappears.

During their exhibit hours, they are given ice pellets (ice food) containing food almost every day to help them stay a little cooler. When ice food is thrown into the pool, Ikoro brings it out onto land and immediately starts crunching it to eat. On the other hand, Dare often chooses cooler places on sunny days, carrying the icicle in his mouth to the shade or chewing it underwater. Each of their behaviors when eating ice food also show their own unique characteristics.

The changes to our management methods over the past few years are the result of careful consideration and observation, taking into account the personalities of these two dogs.

I have been involved in raising and managing the two polar bears for several years, and every day I feel the charm of Polar Bear species, such as the impressive sight they have through the fence, the beauty of their fur, and their physical abilities that exceed imagination.

As a zookeeper, I strongly hope that visitors to the zoo will also experience this charm. I will continue to explore ways to manage the animals in the summer so that more visitors can have the opportunity to see them in their lively state while ensuring that the two animals remain healthy.

[Ueno Zoo East Garden Animal Care and Exhibit Section]