Zoo creates cute video of growing baby polar bear

COLOMBUS — Nora, the first polar bear born and raised at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, is scheduled to move to the Oregon Zoo this fall. The last day to see the nine-month-old bear at the Columbus Zoo will be Labor Day, September 5.

Nora was born on November 6, 2015 in the Polar Frontier region at the Columbus Zoo. Animal Care team members had hoped that Aurora, Nora’s mother, would care for Nora but when she began leaving the fragile newborn alone for prolonged periods of time the team decided to step in and hand-rear the cub.

Nora has been growing up fast ever since. Weighing about one pound at birth, she now weighs over 150 pounds and has been reaching important milestones in development throughout her short life. The Animal Care team has worked around the clock providing care to Nora while also teaching her how to be a bear. The team has taken small steps to ensure her safety in a controlled environment while she progresses and learns about her surroundings including the ability to swim.

The Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) approved Nora’s move so that the Columbus Zoo could provide the best environment for future cubs to be born. Would-be mothers require calm and quiet, which would not have been possible with the scheduled habitat sharing that occurred with Nora.

The timing of Nora’s departure is critical for the success of possible cubs, as keepers have observed Aurora and Anana breeding with Nanuq. If they become pregnant, the female bears could enter their dens in October and could give birth as early as November.

The SSP recommendation was issued after Tasul – the bear whom Nora will be joining at the Oregon Zoo – lost her brother, Conrad. Tasul (pronounced TOSS-ull) is considered very good natured and likely to befriend the beloved Nora.

Cox Media Group