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Oregon Zoo Debuts 3-Year-Old Polar Bear Kallik in Polar Passage

His arrival supports a population-management plan that relocated resident females for future breeding.

Overview

  • Kallik arrived from the Saint Louis Zoo and was born on Nov. 11, 2022, at the Toledo Zoo with a twin brother named Kallu.
  • He has been observed exploring the habitat, diving into chilled saltwater pools, enjoying treats, and taking daytime naps as he adjusts to Pacific time.
  • The Oregon Zoo describes him as a subadult who will continue growing and is years from sexual maturity.
  • Keepers say the zoo is not configured for breeding, including the absence of a maternity den, so a mate is not expected in Portland.
  • The zoo reports support from a visiting St. Louis curator during his transition, notes his current weight at roughly 730 pounds, and anticipates feeding increases as he grows toward about 1,100 pounds.