Days in the pool, a mulch pile, and playing with a big rock pile. Not what you might expect to see a polar bear doing. For Anoki, the polar bear at the Seneca Park Zoo, these things are all a part of her daily routine in the warmer months.
Anoki was born at the zoo back in 1996, making her twenty-five years old. She will turn twenty-six on her upcoming birthday in November. Her name means “little snowflake.”
Anoki is the only polar bear at the zoo, which is common since they are naturally independent. The only time polar bears live together are when they are raising their cubs, but for the most part, they live alone.
When a new polar bear cub is born, they weigh around one pound. But at Anoki’s age, her maximum weight can be close to 700 pounds. In the spring, however, she will weigh around 450 pounds. It all depends on the time of year and what she is eating most of at that time. (Fun Fact: The large paws on polar bears act as snowshoes, spreading out the bear's weight and adding extra gripping ability.)
Something that does stay the same all year long is Anoki’s diet. Anoki has a big range of foods that she eats. She gets a lot of different kinds of fish, mostly sardines, herrings, and silversides. She is also fed a variety of meats, mainly the fat pieces from pork or beef. The zoo also gives her a polar bear chow, which is a little like dog kibble. This is given to her because of the extra nutrients and oils it contains. Anoki is also given is produce such as apples, sweet potatoes, and lettuce.
Anoki’s daily routine changes with each season but is never short of fun. This past summer, she could be found in the yard where she has grass, a mulch pile, and a big rock pile where she can dig around. She also enjoys the big pool outside. During the winter, Anoki is not as active as she chooses to rest most of the season, but she does go out and enjoy the snow on the ground.
A common misconception about polar bears is that they live with penguins. Polar bears are from the northern hemisphere, meaning they live up in the arctic regions. Most penguins are down in the southern hemisphere, so the two species are never together.
No matter what season it is, Anoki is always available to see at the Seneca Park Zoo and is awaiting your visit!
PARENTS:
This article about Anoki is a great way for kids to learn about polar bears. Use this article as a base for discussion with your children. Below are some questions and activities for your family.
Q: Can polar bears swim well?
Activity: Find a list of marine mammals and note how fast or slow polar bears are compared to them.
Q: What color is a polar bear’s hair? (Answer: Clear!)
Activity: Look up close-up photos of a polar bear and see if you can spot each hair.
Q: How big are a polar bear’s feet?
Activity: Search online or at the library to find out how big a polar bear’s feet are.
Q: What do polar bears eat in the wild?
Activity: Find a list of polar bears’ prey and where they