Louisville Zoo’s polar bear leaves

Glacier Run completion will bring bears back

Aquila, Louisville Zoo’s one remaining polar bear, left for vacation this week. He was relocated to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio where he will join two other female polar bears.

The move is only temporary as the Louisville Zoo prepares for its upcoming Glacier Run project.

“It is our goal to build Glacier Run as soon as possible so we can bring polar bears back,” Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak said. “When Glacier Run is complete we can house anywhere from four to 10 polar bears.”

Glacier Run, a four-acre exhibit modeled after a town on the edge of the Arctic wilderness, will educate visitors about global issues and inspire visitors to take action for the planet. When completed, Glacier Run will include polar bears, seals, sea lions, Stellar sea eagles and sea otters.

“Glacier Run will be a life-changing experience,” Walczak said. “It will fundamentally advance the Zoo’s mission of ‘bettering the bond between people and our planet’ through education, recreation and quality family fun.”

Walczak also noted that he will soon share exciting news about the construction schedule for the remainder of the project, but hopes those who have thought about contributing, and those who are just learning about the project, to consider giving generously to the capital campaign.

“Your contributions will ensure that our kids, our friends, our families and visitors to the Commonwealth will enjoy a world-class zoo experience—including magnificent polar bears—right here in our back yard,” he said.

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Photos by Kara Bussabarger

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