Astra and Laerke made their public debut

19.6.2023 – Source: Point Defience Zoo & Aquarium

Astra and Laerke, two polar bear cubs who have captivated much of the country since their births two years ago at the Detroit Zoo, arrived at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Friday evening. The twin sisters are settling into their new Tacoma home and made their public debut Thursday, June 15.

“These exceptional bears have captured the hearts of millions of people across the country with their heartwarming stories,” said Malia Somerville, interim general curator for Point Defiance Zoo. “We are delighted to warmly welcome them to the Pacific Northwest and excited to introduce them to our community.”

Twin sisters Astra and Laerke (pronounced LAIR-keh) lived apart for over two years. Just two days after her birth in November 2020, Laerke had a medical emergency that left her weak and in need of constant, lifesaving care from her care team. While Astra continued to live with her mother, Laerke was raised in human care and then spent several months sharing a habitat with Jebbie, an orphaned grizzly bear. Earlier this spring, Astra and Laerke were successfully reintroduced and are now inseparable.

“Both bears are smart, high-energy bears who love to splash, pounce and play together in the water,” said Point Defiance Zoo assistant curator Sheriden Ploof. “Astra is confident, independent and inquisitive while Laerke is more cautious and gentle.” Ploof and three other polar bear caregivers traveled to Detroit to meet the young bears and learn about their personalities, favorite foods and daily routines.

Point Defiance Zoo is a leader in polar bear research and conservation, working with Polar Bears International and other partners to help study and protect polar bears in the Arctic. As a certified Arctic Ambassador Center through Polar Bears International, the zoo supported a “Burr on Fur” study to test bear-friendly ways to attach tracking devices to help scientists study the movement patterns of wild bears. Additionally, zoo staff partnered with University of Washington scientists to study the rate of hair growth in zoo bears to evaluate stress levels, contaminant exposure and nutritional needs in wild polar bears.

Astra and Laerke moved to Point Defiance Zoo with authorization from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Division of Management Authority.

For the visitors:

Dive into the wonderful world of polar bears with 2-year-old twins, Astra and Laerke, starting tomorrow!

Watch the playful pair swim in their large saltwater pool, and see them explore their new habitat, play and wrestle with each other, and enjoy special enrichments.

As young growing bears, they both have access to their bedrooms behind-the-scenes. So the two may not always be viewable while they’re napping.