Karlsruhe Zoo Names Polar Bear Cub Mika After Public Vote

The young polar bear, born in November, will make its public debut tomorrow as a symbol of conservation awareness.

The polar bear cub, born in November 2024 at Karlsruhe Zoo, has been named Mika after receiving nearly 10,000 votes in a public naming contest.
The name Mika, derived from the Finnish version of Michael, was chosen over alternatives Manouk and Maximus, with all names beginning with 'M' to match the zoo's naming convention for 2024 births.
Visitors will be able to see Mika starting March 12, with limited access to the enclosure to minimize stress for the cub and its mother, Nuka.
The zoo emphasizes the cub’s role as a conservation ambassador, highlighting the existential threats polar bears face due to climate change.
Animal rights organization PETA criticized the zoo for keeping polar bears in captivity, suggesting the cub be named 'Misery' to reflect their stance on the issue.