Meet Bo, the new polar bear that's arrived at Louisville Zoo's Glacier Run

Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read
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Borealis, also known as "Bo," is the newest addition to the Louisville Zoo. Born at the Toledo Zoo, the polar bear made his way to Louisville as Qannik, the zoo's existing female polar bear, has entered a cooperative breeding program.
Borealis, also known as "Bo," is the newest addition to the Louisville Zoo. Born at the Toledo Zoo, the polar bear made his way to Louisville as Qannik, the zoo's existing female polar bear, has entered a cooperative breeding program.
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The Louisville Zoo has introduced a new polar bear to its Glacier Run exhibit.

Born at the Toledo Zoo, Borealis — also known as “Bo" — was named for the Aurora Borealis and comes from the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin. The bear has made Louisville his new home as Qannik, the zoo's existing female polar bear, is now part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums cooperative breeding program, Louisville Zoo stated in a release.

“Breeding recommendations are an important part of ensuring the species’ future," Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney said. "As a wild-born bear, Qannik’s genes are not represented anywhere within in the zoo population. Her contribution to the health of the species will be vital."

Qannik came to the Louisville Zoo in 2011 after being rescued in Alaska’s North Slope. Because of her "wild-born" status, she wasn't able to join the breeding program, but after negotiations between U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, along with the AZA and U.S. Fish and Widlife Services, she was allowed to join the program this year.

“Dr. Paul is pleased and proud to help Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, and Qannik, who has quickly become a fan-favorite of our team," said Rob Givens, state director for Sen. Paul. "We are super excited by the prospect of her becoming a mom and look forward to continuing our assistance with such a worthwhile cause.”

Maloney thanked the senator for his assistance.

“We are hopeful for the future with this much-anticipated breeding recommendation coming to fruition," he said. "This precious and iconic North American species needs our attention. It will be a well-planned, carefully orchestrated, closely monitored, and hopefully successful breeding process between Qannik and Bo.

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This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Meet Bo, Louisville Zoo's new polar bear, breeding mate for Qannik