TOLEDO, Ohio (WWJ) -- Something new at the Toledo Zoo: A close-up meeting with some of the biggest bears in the world.
The Toledo Zoo on Thursday celebrated the grand opening of
Komminsk Family Kodiak Ridge — the new home for the zoo’s Grizzly
and Kodiak brown bears, now open to the public.
About the new exhibit
At over 14,000 square feet, the expansive exhibit has been extended to give the zoo's three bears more room to roam — and zoo visitors more opportunities to observe, interact and learn about the bears up close.
Featuring a 5,000-gallon pool for the bears to enjoy, the Komminsk Family Kodiak Ridge also includes a 130-square-foot cave for the bears to nap in, complete with a viewing window for the visitors.
Also built into the exhibit is a smelling log, which allows visitors to crawl inside and come face to face with the bears like they’ve never seen them before. A dedicated dig area for the bears is mirrored with a public sandbox on the opposite side of the exhibit, providing an opportunity for the bears and kids to dig and play “together.”
In addition to providing the bears with an expanded, stimulating environment, the zoo says the exhibit features educational and interactive displays and an indoor space for school groups.
“We are thrilled to open the Komminsk Family Kodiak Ridge to give our three bears more space to thrive and have plenty of opportunities to exhibit natural behaviors, like foraging and climbing,” said Michael Frushour, curator of mammals for the Toledo Zoo. “It’s a wonderful addition to our Zoo, and we are excited to be able to provide our guests with this unique, up-close experience.”
A ribbon-cutting was held Thursday morning at the exhibit. which is located near the zoo's Tiger Terrace.
About the bears
Cody, Montana, and Dodge are the three bears who get to call the exhibit their new home.
Born in January 2015 in Yellowstone Park, Cody and Montana are Grizzly bear sisters who came to live at the zoo at just six months old as orphaned cubs.
Rounding out the bear trio is Dodge, a Kodiak brown bear born on Kodiak Island in Alaska.
The Toledo Zoo, located at 2 Hippo Way in Toledo, Ohio, is open daily. Visitors are admitted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the zoo closing at 5 p.m. (See admission prices here).
For more information about the exhibit and the zoo’s brown bears, visit
toledozoo.org/kodiakridge.
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