Celebrating Arctic Icons

On February 27, the Saint Louis Zoo joins zoos, conservation groups, and wildlife lovers around the world to celebrate International Polar Bear Day. The day aims to raise awareness about the challenges polar bears face in a warming Arctic and to inspire people to take small actions that can lead to big environmental change.

Polar bears, which can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and stand 10 feet tall on their hind legs, are marine mammals that rely heavily on sea ice to hunt their primary prey — seals. As sea ice melts earlier in the spring and forms later in the fall, polar bears have less time to hunt and must travel farther in search of food, often leading to weight loss and lower cub survival rates.

Zoo educators led special talks and online livestreams focused on polar bear conservation and climate solutions. They discussed the importance of reducing carbon footprints, supporting clean energy, and protecting the Arctic ecosystem through global cooperation. The Zoo also spotlighted its partnership with Polar Bears International, an organization committed to saving polar bears through research, education, and action.

Fun activities for kids included building polar bear crafts, comparing their hand size to a polar bear’s paw (which can be as wide as 12 inches!), and learning about the bear's thick fur and layer of fat that helps them survive frigid temperatures. Although these Arctic giants live thousands of miles away, the message from Saint Louis was clear: we all have a role to play in protecting their future.