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Three way polar bear trade promotes polar bear survival

Posted at 11:32 AM, Nov 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-22 11:32:39-05

The Buffalo Zoo said goodbye to Anana last week, but has welcomed a new polar bear in the effort to support polar bear conservation.

The Buffalo Zoo teamed up with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens and the Hentry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin as part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Anana has arrived safely at the Cincinnati Zoo and will be introduced to a male, Little One. Berit, a female from Cincinnati, went to Madison.

Henry Vilas' three-year-old male, Sakari, has arrived in Buffalo and will be introduced to Luna, Anana's daughter. Sakari's favorite activity is swimming and he enjoys likes to participate in training sessions. Zoo-goers at Henry Vilas Zoo loved to see Sakari stand up on his hind legs to show his full height.

This three way polar bear trade was recommended by the polar bear SSP with the hopes of giving polar bears their best chance at reproduction. They are currently considered a vulnerable species.

According to the Buffalo Zoo, there are less than 70 polar bears in human care in North America.

Population Viability Analyses says if no changes are made over the next 20 years, the polar bear population will significantly decline.