A polar bear with an extraordinary childhood is preparing to begin a new chapter in St. Louis, Missouri.
Laerke, a five-year-old female polar bear currently living at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, is expected to move to the Saint Louis Zoo in early November 2026.
The move is part of a coordinated conservation effort intended to support a sustainable population of polar bears in accredited North American zoos.
But Laerke’s story is particularly unusual.
As a young cub, she was raised alongside an orphaned grizzly bear.
Now, animal care specialists hope she may eventually become a mother herself.
An Unusual Beginning
Laerke was born at the Detroit Zoo in November 2020 alongside her twin sister, Astra.
Shortly after birth, Laerke experienced a serious medical emergency.
Her continuing health challenges required intensive veterinary attention and eventually led to her being raised by human caregivers.
Because she was separated from her mother and sister during an important period of development, animal care specialists looked for ways to provide appropriate companionship.
At approximately nine months old, Laerke was introduced to an orphaned grizzly bear cub named Jebbie.
The unusual pairing allowed both young bears to experience social interaction during their early development.
Although polar bears and grizzly bears are different species with distinct natural behaviors, the arrangement provided companionship under carefully managed conditions.
Laerke was eventually reunited with her twin sister.
In 2023, the two polar bears moved together to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma.
A New Home in Missouri
The Saint Louis Zoo announced October 15 that Laerke would be joining its polar bear program.
Her anticipated arrival will introduce her to a new environment at McDonnell Polar Bear Point.
The zoo already houses a male polar bear named Kallu, who is approaching his fourth birthday.
Kallu was born at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium in November 2022 and moved to St. Louis in March 2025.
The two bears have been identified as a potential breeding pair through a coordinated population management program.
However, their introduction will not happen immediately.
Animal care specialists plan to give Laerke time to adjust to her surroundings before determining when and how the bears should meet.
Why the Move Matters
Polar bears face significant conservation challenges in the wild.
The species is classified as threatened under the United States Endangered Species Act.
Changes affecting Arctic sea ice have reduced important habitat used by polar bears for hunting and other activities.
The Polar Bear Population Alliance works with accredited zoos and aquariums to maintain a genetically diverse population of polar bears under professional care.
Laerke’s relocation is part of that coordinated effort.
Animal care specialists consider factors including genetics, age, reproductive health, and individual behavior when making breeding recommendations.
Although the goal is to provide opportunities for successful reproduction, the zoo has not announced that cubs are expected.
Any future breeding would depend on how the animals respond to one another.
Visitors Will Have to Be Patient
Laerke is expected to make her public debut at McDonnell Polar Bear Point sometime this fall or winter.
Before that happens, she will undergo a quarantine and acclimation period.
The zoo has indicated that visitors may not see Laerke and Kallu together until early 2027.
Meanwhile, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is preparing to say goodbye.
The Tacoma facility has scheduled a farewell celebration for October 31 and November 1, allowing visitors another opportunity to see Laerke before her departure.
The event will include special animal enrichment activities and educational presentations.
