Itty-Bitty Bear

Think you waited a long time for spring? Well, Arki Polar Bear has been denned up since December and she just came out on Friday, April 20. That is when Arki and her new cub stepped outside to greet the world for the first time, making their public debut in Brookfield Zoo’s Bear Grottos.

Late last fall, in preparation for the birth, zoo staff separated Arki from her mate, Aussie, so that she could "den up"--a natural behavior for pregnant bears. Inside the den was a straw-filled "maternity igloo" where Arki gave birth. The mother and cub stayed in the den for several months, until the cub was strong enough to survive outdoors. A mother polar bear nurses her cub the whole time, and she lives off her stored fat. Although her metabolism is lowered, momma bear does not hibernate and she continues to occasionally move around in the maternity den. A camera inside the igloo allowed keepers to view Arki throughout her pregnancy and to monitor the cub without disturbing them.

And so, on a picture perfect day, Arki and her 25-30 pound cub stepped out to greet the adoring public---live on TV. Three Chicago network affiliate television stations carried the debut live, while another camera crew hovered nearby in a helicopter. After a bit of coaxing from mom, the cub began to explore his new home. For a young cub, his explorations were very brave, though he never strayed far from Arki.

In the coming weeks a public naming contest will be held on behalf of the itty-bitty bear—in preparation, be sure to come to Brookfield Zoo to meet him and gauge his personality so that you can suggest the perfect name.

Learn more about Arki, her cub, and polar bears.

Fuzzy Films
What? You did not get up at 6:00 a.m. to see the cub take his first steps out? That is OK, we have you covered. Check out video from the cub's first day out. (Large MP4 files will play on most browsers---broadband connection required.)

A small crowd was up early for the debut---you can hear them react to every slip, hop and belly rub the cub makes.

The cub explores his new grotto.

Arki has passed on her interest in sticks---and everything else in the grotto to her cub.

More exploration on the cub's first day.