Saint Louis Zoo to Welcome New Polar Bear This Fall
The 5-year-old bear will make her public debut at McDonnell Polar Bear Point as part of a species recovery program.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Wildlife
Live Poll
Do you believe that keeping polar bears in zoos is essential for protecting the species?
The Saint Louis Zoo is preparing to welcome a 5-year-old female polar bear named Laerke from the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma this fall. The new bear will join the zoo to pair with Kallu, an almost-4-year-old male polar bear, as part of a national species recovery program.
Why it matters
This transfer is a key component of the Polar Bear Population Alliance's recovery plan designed to bolster the genetic diversity of the species. Because polar bears are classified as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, these collaborative efforts are essential for their long-term conservation.
Laerke will arrive in St. Louis in Fall 2026 as part of a conservation strategy for a species currently listed as threatened. It is currently unknown if the breeding pair will successfully reproduce in their new environment.
The players
Saint Louis Zoo
An accredited zoological park in St. Louis that manages regional wildlife conservation programs and public education initiatives.
Laerke
A 5-year-old female polar bear arriving in St. Louis to support the species recovery plan.
Kallu
An almost-4-year-old male polar bear residing at the Saint Louis Zoo.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
A Tacoma-based facility that focuses on marine and polar animal conservation and research.
Polar Bear Population Alliance
An organization that coordinates recovery plans to maintain genetic diversity in zoo-managed polar bear populations.
The details
The Saint Louis Zoo animal care team is collaborating with keepers from the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium to ensure a smooth transition for Laerke by reviewing her established daily routines and care preferences. Upon arrival, the bear will undergo a mandatory quarantine and acclimation period before being introduced to her new habitat. The bears will eventually share the space at McDonnell Polar Bear Point to facilitate natural pairing.
Timeline
Laerke arrives at the Saint Louis Zoo in Fall 2026.
Laerke makes her public debut at McDonnell Polar Bear Point in fall or early winter 2026.
Visitors may see the two bears together in their habitat in early 2027.
The Home Front
This move follows the conservation standards established for species classified as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Zoos across the country are increasingly focusing on these cooperative breeding programs to prevent the decline of captive populations.
St. Louis families planning to visit the zoo this fall should keep an eye on the official exhibit schedule for Laerke's debut at McDonnell Polar Bear Point. Please note that the bears will likely be kept separate during the initial acclimation period until early 2027.
The takeaway
The Saint Louis Zoo is prioritizing species conservation through a new breeding partnership. Residents can look forward to seeing the new bear debut later this year and may see the pair together by early 2027.
Further reading
For more information on local animal conservation efforts, visit the Wildlife section.
Live Poll
Do you believe that keeping polar bears in zoos is essential for protecting the species?
