The Saint Louis Zoo welcomed a pair of frolicsome polar bear twins, Kallu and Kallik, to their new habitat, making their public debut to visitor's delight. After arriving from the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium earlier this month, the young brothers can now be spotted at the Zoo's expansive 40,000-square-foot polar bear habitat, McDonnell Polar Bear Point, during the Zoo’s regular spring hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Zoo-goers have the unique opportunity to observe the duo as they play and explore their environment. Kallik, the more inquisitive of the twins, weighs in at a healthy 620 pounds and is often the first to discover new enrichments, as reported by River Bender. Kallu, larger at about 740 pounds, exhibits a more reserved behavior, usually trailing his brother's lead.
The Saint Louis Zoo's dedication to conservation saw the previous polar bear resident, Kali, move to the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, facilitating a continuation of the vital breeding program intended to sustain the threatened species. The twin bears' exchange was highlighted by KSDK News, noting the importance of the program under the Endangered Species Act.
McDonnell Polar Bear Point, designed to closely mirror the natural habitat of these Arctic dwellers, includes two temperature-controlled pools, an upper viewing deck, and an arctic cave room that allows guests to view the bears underwater. Beyond the gaze of the public, a care center offers the bears privacy, bedroom spaces, a denning area, and an outdoor off-exhibit space for their comfort. According to KBSI News, Kallik and Kallu have settled into their new habitat, where they continue their brotherly bond with regular play spats and communal rest.
As for the bears' names, they resonate with the sound of the Indigenous words for thunder and lightning, fitting descriptors for the animals' distinct personalities, a zoo handler informed KSDK. St. Louis area residents and visitors alike can anticipate friendly faces and lively antics from these polar bear siblings as they grow and thrive in their new Midwestern home.
