Polar bears Astra and Laerke have quickly become the stars at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Astra and her twin sister Laerke are two years old. Astra is much larger than Laerke, and her personality matches her size.
Astra loves the enrichments that build her problem-solving skills and challenge her activity levels. Astra enjoys the saltwater pool and is often seen swimming in it.
Laerke, on the other hand, has a smaller build. Laerke had a medical emergency when she was little, that required round-the-clock care for her to survive. Laerke grew up with a grizzly bear named Jebby as they recovered together.
Now that they are reunited, these two sisters are living their best lives at PDZA, swimming around, playing with their pickle toy, and educating people every day.
Polar bear fun facts:
- Polar bears aren’t white! Their fur is translucent. The hollow hair shafts reflect the sun, allowing the bears to stay warm because their skin is black and absorbs heat.
- Polar bears have a 4-inch layer of fat under their skin from what they eat.
- Polar bears eat mostly fat, like seal blubber. They also eat walruses and beluga whales.
- At the zoo, the polar bears primarily eat fat and fish. They get frozen watermelon slices and lettuce as a treat.
- Polar bears are mostly solitary animals. They aren’t very social bears; when their cubs are 2-3 years old, the parents leave them, letting their young live alone.
