Front Entrance/Polar Bear Passage

Polar Bear Passage

Recreated glaciers, a large sandbox and open spaces along the banks create a Polar Bear Environment of Fun for digging, plunging and napping. This awesome Arctic adventure creates an interactive public connection to these magnificent northern species through above and below water viewing in the 140,000 gallon pool and a climate controlled viewing area with multiple viewing angles. Host your next cocktail party or intimate dinner reception in the coolest place in town.

Polar bear habitat is quickly shrinking. Zoo’s nationwide are working together to educate and communicate the need to reduce greenhouse gases, reuse our resources and reverse global climate change in order to help polar bear populations as well as other species. Located directly inside the front entrance, the polar exhibit will meet the Manitoba Standards for polar bear husbandry, ensuring that the polar bears receive excellent care both physically and on an enrichment level.

How old is Nikita?  Born on November 21, 2006 at the Toledo Zoo, he is 6 years old.

How much does he weigh? He currently weighs over 1000 pounds. 
 

What does he eat?  Nikita eats about 16 pounds of fish (herring, capelin and trout), 5 pounds of dog food and 1 ½ pounds of lard each day. He receives other food like fruits and vegetables as treats and rewards in his training.

Why is there only one polar bear? The Kansas City Zoo is a member of the Polar Bear Species Survival Plan. Eventually a female bear will be brought to Kansas City when a suitable mate is found for Nikita in another participating Zoo.

How big is the area where Nikita lives? What you are seeing is an awesome Arctic adventure area nearly 10,000 square feet customized for polar bear living. It includes a 140,000 gallon pool, a 105 ton sand box complete with grassy and diving areas.

Where does Nikita go at night?  Nikita’s behind-the-scenes area is divine – we’d like to say 5-star! There are bedrooms designed for up to three adult bears along with a cub room and diet preparation area. The Kansas City Zoo is working with other zoos in the United States to acquire additional bears in hopes of someday having cubs.

Can Nikita break the glass? No, the glass around the exhibit is 2 ½ inches thick and the wall are 17 feet high. Nikita can not break the glass nor climb out of the exhibit.

Why are there toys in his exhibit?  All of the animals at the Kansas City Zoo receive enrichment items to keep them active.

How long will Nikita live? Polar bears can live into their 30’s in zoos.

Does Nikita get hot?  The pool in the exhibit is kept at 65 degrees in warm months. Nikita’s dens/bedrooms are also kept at 65 degrees. This helps to keep him cool.

Why are there plants on the roof?  This is called a green roof; plants provide insulation for the building and help the environment by increasing oxygen output.


Wonderous Water Fun for the Animals at the Zoo!

Two North American River Otters welcome you to the Zoo!  Just inside the new Front Entry Plaza, Jackie and Bill are are romping and rolling. The North American River Otters, named by a 2009 Jazzoo donor, are especially entertaining during their meal times.

In the morning they are fed 8 oz. of natural balanced meat that is loaded with vitamins. They also eat a smaller meal, 4-6 oz. of the natural balanced meat each evening, and they enjoy a treat of either 4 capelin or 1 herring daily.

Jackie has a more outgoing and rambunctious personality, while Bill is more laid back and is more partial to playing with enrichment items. See the river otters swimming and playing everyday at the River Otter Exhibit located at the Front Entrance.