Saint Louis Zoo to Welcome New Polar Bear This Fall

The zoo is acquiring a 5-year-old female polar bear from Washington to pair with its resident male for breeding.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Wildlife

Bold vector editorial illustration of a polar bear swimming in a clear turquoise zoo pool, representing wildlife conservation efforts. — The Saint Louis Zoo is preparing to welcome Laerke, a five-year-old female polar bear transferring from Washington as part of a conservation breeding program. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Saint Louis Zoo will receive a 5-year-old female polar bear named Laerke this fall. The bear is transferring from the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, as part of a species recovery plan.

Why it matters

The transfer is coordinated by the Polar Bear Population Alliance to ensure genetic diversity for the species. Polar bears are currently classified as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

The newcomer Laerke is a 5-year-old female, while the resident male bear Kallu is almost 4 years old. Both are managed under the recovery efforts for polar bears, a species currently listed as threatened.

The players

Saint Louis Zoo

This accredited institution in St. Louis maintains diverse animal habitats and participates in global conservation initiatives.

Polar Bear Population Alliance

This organization facilitates breeding and management programs among zoos to support the long-term viability of captive polar bear populations.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Located in Tacoma, Washington, this facility is home to various species and collaborates with other zoos on wildlife conservation and research.

The details

Laerke will undergo a formal quarantine and acclimation period upon arrival at the Saint Louis Zoo to adjust to her new environment. Staff are consulting with keepers from the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium to ensure her routines and preferences are accommodated during the transition.

Laerke will arrive at the Saint Louis Zoo in Fall 2026.
The polar bear is expected to debut at McDonnell Polar Bear Point in fall or early winter 2026.
Visitors may see the bears together in their habitat beginning in early 2027.

Culture Shift

This move highlights the shift toward collaborative, scientifically-managed zoo populations to ensure the survival of threatened species. By prioritizing genetic diversity, these institutions move away from older models of solitary animal displays toward active conservation engagement.

Visitors to the zoo can expect to see Laerke on display at McDonnell Polar Bear Point starting in the fall or early winter. While the bears will be present, they likely will not be exhibited together in the same habitat until early next year.

The takeaway

Zoos use carefully managed breeding programs to support the genetic health of animals listed as threatened in the wild. Residents can track the progress of these animals as they undergo their acclimation periods to their new habitats.

What happens next

Laerke will arrive in fall 2026, followed by a public debut at McDonnell Polar Bear Point during fall or early winter 2026, with the bears likely appearing together in early 2027.