Watch Astra The Polar Bear Make a Splashy Debut At Como Zoo (Video, Pics)

If you needed another reason to visit Como Zoo, here’s a big one… literally.🐻‍❄️

Meet Astra, the zoo’s newest polar bear, who made her public debut today at the Polar Bear Odyssey. Photos and video of the 4-year-old, 700-pound beauty swimming, diving, and exploring the deep-water side of her new home in St. Paul were posted to the Como Zoo Facebook page today, and she already looks like she owns the place. Check out the adorable video below.

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Como Zoo has been home to polar bears for over four decades, and the crew there knows a thing or two about caring for these Arctic icons. The current polar bear residents, 5-year-old Kulu, 30-year-old Nan, and 29-year-old Neil, each bring their own personality to the place. Nan and Neil are true legends, among the oldest polar bears in North America, and longtime fan favorites

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For now, Astra’s doing her own thing while she gets comfortable. Como Zoo says she’s separated from the other bears, but they can still see, smell, and hear each other as Como’s animal care team takes things slow over the next few weeks. The zoo says they’re hopeful for a future love connection between Astra and Kulu.

Astra arrived in Minnesota from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, as part of a national conservation program working to help protect and grow the polar bear population. Como Zoo is part of the Polar Bear Population Alliance, a group of accredited zoos teaming up to keep the species healthy and genetically diverse. Como’s own Senior Zookeeper Allison Jungheim, who leads the entire Polar Bear Program, says Astra’s move is an exciting step forward.

“Astra is a young, energetic bear with tremendous potential,” Jungheim said. “Her genetics are valuable to the population, and we’re optimistic that in time she and Kulu will form a strong bond that contributes to the sustainability of this threatened species.”

Astra the Polar Bear is Como Zoo’s Newest Arctic Ambassador

While Astra settles in, Como’s keepers are focused on making sure she feels safe, confident, and comfortable before meeting her new neighbors face-to-face. Once introductions go smoothly, the plan is for her to be paired with Kulu as part of a carefully managed breeding effort, one that could lead to baby polar bears right here in Minnesota!

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free (donations are always appreciated). If you’re looking for something heart-warming to do this fall, go say hi to Astra. Watching her splash around might melt your heart faster than a snowman in March.