Detroit Zoo welcomes hefty new resident: A 1,300-pound polar bear named Kali

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) -- The Detroit Zoo has a majestic, and quite substantial, new resident.

Kali, a 13-year-old male polar bear, arrived in Detroit after a swap with the Toledo Zoo. The 1,300-pound bear will be gradually introduced to the Detroit Zoo's two female polar bears, Suka and Haley, as part of a breeding program.

"We have one of the largest polar bear habitats in the entire world, and we are honored to have three polar bears live right here in Detroit," the Detroit Zoo's Chief Life Sciences Officer Mike Murray said.

Kali was rescued as a cub after being abandoned in Alaska in 2013.

Kali is already making himself at home and has been described by his caretakers as gregarious, curious, and incredibly smart. He loves observing Zoo guests, exploring his habitat, and tackling enrichment puzzles with both brains and brawn.

Murray said Kali will receive some of the best care in the world at the Zoo, which has been a leader in polar bear conservation for a long time.

"We have six fulltime animal welfare researchers that are always researching our polar bears and ensuring that that knowledge is shared," Murray said. "And additionally we have partners with Polar Bears International, and we're supporting polar bear conservation all over the world."

At the same time, 21-year-old polar bear Nuka (who spent about three years at the Detroit Zoo) has begun his next chapter at the Toledo Zoo, where he will once again be paired with female polar bear Crystal.

Crystal and Nuka previously welcomed twin cubs, Kallik and Kallu, in 2022.

"While we’ll miss Nuka dearly, we’re grateful to see him continue to thrive—and excited to welcome Kali to Detroit as both bears play an important role in polar bear population," the Zoo said, in a social media post on Friday.

Get details about the Detroit Zoo, including hours and ticket information, at DetroitZoo.org.

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