The Impact of Our Changing Climate on the Arctic and Polar Bears

The Arctic region is undergoing dramatic changes due to our changing climate. Rising temperatures are leading to the rapid melting of sea ice, which is critical for polar bears as it serves as their primary habitat and hunting ground. With the ice melting earlier and forming later each year, polar bears are forced to fast longer, travel greater distances, and expend more energy to find food.

This not only affects their health and survival rates but also disrupts their breeding patterns. Due to the challenge feeding themselves, some mother polar bears struggle to care for their offspring. Some cubs may be abandoned — just like the Louisville Zoo’s female polar bear, Qannik, found abandoned as a cub on Alaska’s north slope. As a result, the polar bear population is facing significant declines, making conservation efforts more crucial than ever.

Louisville Zoo’s Commitment to Polar Bear Conservation

At the Louisville Zoo, we are dedicated to the conservation of polar bears and the protection of their natural habitat. Our Glacier Run exhibit, inspired by Churchill, Canada —the polar bear capital of the world — provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about these magnificent creatures, the challenges they face, and what life is like on the edge of the wilderness, where people and polar bears must coexist. But our commitment goes beyond education; we actively participate in breeding programs in managed environments to ensure the survival of polar bears.

Breeding Programs in Managed Environments

The Louisville Zoo is proud to be part of a network of zoos and aquariums that participate in managed breeding programs for polar bears. These programs are designed to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population of polar bears in managed care. These programs play a crucial role in preserving the species and providing valuable insights into their biology and behavior.

Partnership with Polar Bears International

The Louisville Zoo is honored to partner with Polar Bears International (PBI) as an Arctic Ambassador Center. This prestigious designation recognizes our commitment to polar bear conservation and our efforts to educate the public about the threats facing the Arctic. As an Arctic Ambassador Center, we collaborate with PBI on research, conservation initiatives, and public awareness campaigns. Together, we strive to protect polar bears and their habitat for future generations.

We invite you to join us in our mission to conserve polar bears and and their vulnerable Arctic habitats. Visit the Glacier Run exhibit to learn more about these incredible animals and how you can make a difference. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for these iconic bears.

What Can You Do To Help?

Awareness events — take part in polar bear awareness events
Take Action — learn the ways you can help polar bears
Polar  Bear Advocacy Toolkit

Resources and Activities

Frequently Asked Questions about Wild Polar Bears
Conservation Concerns — learn about the various challenges facing polar bears including amazing videos with footage of wild bears.
Facts about Polar Bears — learn about their natural habitat, characteristics, life cycle and more!
Polar bear Tracker — See the paths of the polar bears currently, and see where see ice is forming.
Polar Bear Live Cameras— Watch camera live streams from Tundra Buggies, National Parks and more!
Follow Polar Bear News— Follow the latest updates on wild polar bears from our friends at PBI
Just for Kids — fun resources and activities for kids like coloring flat stanley the polar bear, art activities, polar bear fact and more!