The Detroit Zoo has welcomed a new, 22-year-old female polar bear named Haley, who recently made the move from Memphis Zoo as part of a breeding recommendation and wildlife conservation initiative, CBS News Detroit reported. Born on November 15, 2002 at Seneca Park Zoo in New York, she was moved to Memphis at the age of four, where she lived until her recent departure. The Detroit Zoo is already home to two polar bears, a male, Nuka born in 2004, and a female, Suka born in 2012.
Haley was part of the Memphis Zoo's collection for over a decade and a half, and although she has not yet had cubs, her presence was noted for creating visitor engagement as she was commonly observed swimming and interacting with viewers at the underwater viewing windows, according to the zoo's report obtained by Action News 5. The transfer aligns with the ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of this species within the association of zoos, Haley's departure from Tennessee was also announced via a Facebook post where the Memphis Zoo highlighted their pride in contributing to polar bear conservation efforts.
The FOX13 Memphis included a statement where the Memphis Zoo expressed they would "miss Haley tremendously," but are looking forward to seeing her thrive in Michigan. In this Species Survival Plan, coordination among various zoological institutions is key, and the Detroit Zoological Society, by welcoming Haley, has become a part of a broader network committed to the protection and conservation of polar bears, that now includes the Memphis Zoo, which has been housing these arctic animals since the 1930s and actively participates in conservation programs like Polar Bears International.
As Haley settles into her new environment, the remaining polar bear at Memphis Zoo, Koda, continues to reside there and "seems to be adjusting well to Haley's departure," the zoo shared, as per CBS News Detroit. Haley's move is expected to contribute to the genetic diversity and overall health of the polar bear population in human care; while the wild populations of these majestic animals continue to face the threat of diminishing sea ice habitat in the Arctic the gestures by institutions like the Detroit Zoological Society and the Memphis Zoo play a vital role in keeping the species from slipping away into history.
