You may have read about Qannik’s breeding status change in our winter 2023 edition of Trunkline magazine. The announcement followed a successful, long-term campaign by the Louisville Zoo to secure breeding permission for Qannik. A landmark collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Kentucky U.S. Senator Rand Paul and his State Director, Brigadier General (retired) Rob Givens, along with Louisville Zoo leadership, came together to help rescued polar bears, like Qannik, residing in zoological facilities participate in the AZA’s cooperative breeding program.

As a wild-born bear, Qannik’s unique genetics present a valuable contribution in maintaining a robust and healthy polar bear population in managed care. Finding her a mate was not merely a matter of companionship; it was a strategic move to ensure the survival and well-being of future generations of polar bears.

Throughout the last year, Qannik and male polar bear, Bo, could smell each other and see each other behind-the-scenes. All behaviors indicated they were excited about each other’s presence. Now, the Glacier Run team is implementing a measured, face-to-face introduction between the two bears. You may see the two on exhibit together in the coming weeks.