US EditionComo 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.
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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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