Polar bear welcomed into Buffalo Zoo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Buffalo Zoo is pleased to welcome Nanuq, a 21-year-old polar bear, who arrived from the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin late Friday night. Zoo officials report that Nanuq is adjusting well to his new surroundings.

The transfer was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is designed to help species maintain healthy and stable populations in captivity. Nanuq was born in the wild and rescued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as an orphaned cub. He was later brought, along with his twin brother, to the Wisconsin facility, where he has lived for the past 21 years. His genes are considered to be very valuable to the captive population. While Nanuq has never sired any cubs, despite being housed with a female at the Henry Vilas Zoo, it is hoped that Nanuq and Anana, the Buffalo Zoo's eight-year-old female, will be successful at introducing his genes into the U.S. captive population.

The decision to transfer Nanuq was made after the Buffalo Zoo's veterinarian, Dr. Kurt Volle, traveled to the Henry Vilas Zoo to examine him. Since Nanuq is an older bear (the average age at death is 18), Zoo officials wanted to ensure that he was in good health for the transfer.

A professional animal transporter moved Nanuq to Buffalo in a truck. Staff from the Buffalo Zoo and Henry Vilas Zoo worked together to help load him safely. The Buffalo Zoo's veterinarian and primary polar bear keeper accompanied the truck, which made regular stops during the 12-hour drive to monitor his condition.
   
Eighteen months ago, the Buffalo Zoo fell under scrutiny because four polar bears housed at the Zoo died of natural causes over a span of 16 months. The causes of death were verified by necropsies and independent pathology reports from a lab in Washington state.

Following a thorough investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Investigative and Enforcement Services, the Zoo was cleared of any wrongdoing. "We are pleased that Nanuq's transfer went smoothly, and we are delighted to soon introduce him to our female, Anana, so they can hopefully help secure their species' future," said Buffalo Zoo President/CEO, Dr. Donna M. Fernandes.   

The Buffalo Zoo's polar bear breeding program has been very successful in the past. It was put on hold by the SSP for the last 10 years because of the abundance of the Buffalo Zoo's offspring in the captive population. Polar bears only breed every three years, and between 1977 and 1997, 11 cubs were produced at the Buffalo facility.

As per standard regulations regarding new animal arrivals, Nanuq is currently in quarantine. Visitors will be able to view him sometime later this year.