The formal announcement of a new polar bear at the Henry Vilas Zoo doubled as a lesson in the necessity of conservation as climate change forces arctic species out of their natural habitats.
Zoo Director Jim Hubing said the initial sketch for the new Arctic Passage exhibit was made in 2002. The years since have been spent garnering support and donations to build the three-acre exhibit.
The exhibit will feature a large green area and pond for the bears, a reindeer paddock, a snow owl exhibit, a seal pond, a replica arctic research ship where patrons can get above and underwater views of both the bears and seals and an arctic weather station where guests can learn how global climate change is affecting the actual arctic.
Hubing said the weather station will help highlight the true message of the zoo – conservation and education, and how patrons can help polar bears in the wild.
“The challenge is great,” Hubing said. “Polar bears can’t live, they can’t survive without ice.”
Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk said she agreed the zoo exhibit serves as an opportunity to teach patrons about climate change. Falk characterized exhibits like the Arctic Passage as the zoo’s way of making a difference.
Falk said aside from being an educational opportunity, the announcement of the exhibit was an ideal way to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the founding of the zoo, which will come later this summer.
She called the exhibit an “ambitious goal,” which will follow shortly on the footsteps of the acquisition of a red panda cub and lion cub. The presence of animals and exhibits like these, Falk said, are proof Vilas Zoo is a world class facility.
Friends of the Zoo Director Boris Frank said while close to $4 million has already been committed, more money still needs to be raised.
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said he expects Madison residents to pitch in with the fundraising and make the Arctic Passage exhibit a reality.
“It seems like every time there is an exciting new initiative or need in our community the Madison community steps up,” he said.
