US Edition
Como Park Zoo Welcomes Its Newest Arrival: Astra the Polar Bear
Astra joins Kulu at Como Zoo as part of a national program to sustain 37 genetically valuable polar bears in U.S. care, officials said.
- On Oct. 9, 2025, Astra, a 700-pound female polar bear, arrived at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma, Washington.
- Astra was moved from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium to Como Zoo to support a genetic diversity breeding effort, with the AZA polar bear community bringing hope for future cubs.
- Moving Astra involved introducing her to a crate previously, where she entered willingly at 2 a.m. without anesthesia, then traveling on a FedEx flight with a Tacoma zookeeper and a Como Zoo veterinarian.
- Astra is currently in quarantine and can interact with other polar bears through sight, smell and sound while Como Zoo animal care staff monitor her adjustment; the next few weeks will focus on helping her settle, and a public debut date is not yet announced.
- The pairing could support long-term breeding, as Como Zoo has cared for polar bears for over 40 years, Jungheim said.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Pioneer Press
Astra, Como Zoo’s new polar bear, has arrived
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory has a new resident. Astra, a female polar bear, swims in her enclosure at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Wash. on Aug. 14, 2023. She was moved on Oct. 9, 2025, to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul. (Katie G. Cotterill / Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium) Astra, a four-year-old, 700-pound female polar bear, arrived Thursday night from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Wash. Upon arrival, the zoo an…
Welcome Astra! Como Zoo’s New Polar Bear Has Arrived! - Como Zoo Conservatory
We have big news to share….Como Park Zoo & Conservatory has a brand-new polar bear! 🌟 Astra, a four-year-old, 700-pound female polar bear, arrived safely at Como Zoo last evening... The post Welcome Astra! Como Zoo’s New Polar Bear Has Arrived! appeared first on Como Zoo Conservatory.
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