Reid Park Zoo, Tucson Zoological Society, Behind The Scenes

Behind the Scenes with the Polar Bears

Where are the Polar Bears?
If you can’t find the Zoo’s two polar bears, Boris and Kobe, swimming in their pool or in the grass yard, the polar bears are in their off-exhibit area called a night house. All of the animals at the Zoo have a night house where they go after the Zoo closes. Several of the Zoo’s animals, including the polar bears, sun bears, and anteaters have access to their night houses during the day. This gives the animals an opportunity to choose where they want to spend their time.

The Polar Bear Night House:

As you can see from the photos, the polar bears have their very own indoor swimming pool! This allows them to choose to swim out in the sun or in the shade. Also inside the night house is an evaporative/swamp cooler and plenty of shade that keeps the night house cool for the bears. Last year, the temperature of the night house did not go over 85°, despite Tucson temperatures of over 100°!

Isn't it Still Too Hot for Polar Bears in Tucson?
Actually, the polar bears have their very own built in swamp cooler: their fur! When the polar bears come out of the water, the air flows over their wet, hollow hair cooling their skin. In addition, zoo keepers at the Zoo frequently give the polar bears cool treats such as giant ice blocks and fishcicles to help them stay extra cool.

Behind the Scenes Group Tour
Go "Behind the Scenes" with our special educational group tours.

Tucson Zoological Society
1030 South Randolph Way, Tucson, Arizona 85716
Phone: 520-881-4753 FAX: 520-881-1450
Office Hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Friday
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