Prepare for an extra dose of cuteness this Saturday!
The Toledo Zoo has delighted animal lovers with the recent birth of two polar bear cubs, marking the first time these adorable creatures have been born at the facility since 2012. The exciting news was shared through an Instagram post by the zoo.
On December 1, Crystal, a 24-year-old mother, gave birth to the two bundles of joy, with Nuka, an 18-year-old father, by her side. The gender of the cubs is still unknown, as confirmed by the zoo.
While the cubs are not currently available for public viewing, the zoo plans to make them accessible for visitors to see in spring 2023. In the meantime, to keep everyone updated and involved, the zoo is livestreaming video footage from the cozy den where the happy family resides, broadcasting from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
The decision to pair Crystal and Nuka was made in accordance with the guidance of the species survival program. This program offers breeding recommendations for endangered species in zoos, aiming to maintain genetic diversity within captive populations.
Although the cubs appear tiny on the livestream, it’s important to remember that they will grow into massive predators as adults. Adult male polar bears typically weigh between 800 and 1,300 pounds, while females generally weigh between 300 and 700 pounds, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
Polar bears are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature due to serious population decline caused by climate change and the loss of their Arctic habitats.
This heartwarming news brings a ray of hope for the conservation of this incredible species, and the Toledo Zoo’s newest additions serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving their fragile ecosystem.