Detroit Zoo welcomes new polar bear in planned swap with Toledo Zoo

A new polar bear has arrived at the Detroit Zoo, marking a carefully planned exchange aimed at strengthening polar bear populations in accredited zoos worldwide.

The Detroit Zoo, recognized internationally for its leadership in polar bear conservation and home to one of North America’s largest polar bear habitats, partnered with the Toledo Zoo on a strategic animal transfer. As part of the move, Nuka, a longtime Detroit resident, relocated to Toledo, while Kali (pronounced Cull-ee) made the journey north to take up residence at Detroit’s Arctic Ring of Life.

The exchange was guided by recommendations from the Polar Bear Population Alliance and is intended to enhance the overall health, social structure and long-term sustainability of each zoo’s polar bear population, while supporting responsible breeding programs critical to the species’ future.

“This successful transfer reflects the collaboration of our teams in Detroit and Toledo, as well as a shared commitment to animal well-being and conservation,” said Mike Murray, chief life sciences officer for the Detroit Zoo.

“Nuka is an incredible polar bear, and we know he will continue to thrive in Toledo, where he will once again be paired with female polar bear Crystal. Here in Detroit, Kali is already settling in, and we know he will be an outstanding ambassador for his species and a wonderful addition to the polar bear group."

Kali, now 13, was rescued as a cub in 2013 after residents of the Native Village of Point Lay, Alaska, discovered he’d been orphaned. He was placed in the care of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before moving to the Saint Louis Zoo in 2015. In 2025, he relocated to the Toledo Zoo, where he became known for his physical strength and problem-solving skills, particularly in enrichment activities. Caretakers describe him as social, inquisitive and highly intelligent.

Polar bear Kali is the Detroit Zoo's newest resident.

At the Detroit Zoo, Kali will share the Arctic Ring of Life habitat with females Suka, 13, and Haley, 23. Animal care staff will oversee a gradual introduction process, with the bears initially separated within the expansive four-acre habitat. While Kali will have access to outdoor public viewing areas, he may also choose to spend time indoors or out of sight as he adjusts to his new surroundings.

The transfer comes at a time when polar bears in the wild face mounting threats from climate change, diminishing sea ice and increased human-wildlife conflict. Zoo officials say welcoming Kali and supporting Nuka’s transition underscores the Detroit Zoo’s commitment to connecting visitors with the species and encouraging conservation efforts that protect polar bears and their habitats.

The Detroit Zoo plans to share updates on Kali’s progress with the community. Visitors can see him at the Arctic Ring of Life during regular Zoo hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and beginning April 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Detroit Zoo is located at 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak.