New Male Polar Bear: Lyutyik at the Alaska Zoo

The Alaska Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of a new male polar bear. “Lyutyik”, a five year old male, has joined “Ahpun” at the Alaska Zoo. He arrived at 12:25 AM Alaska Time on Wednesday, August 16.  He was transported to the zoo, then introduced to Ahpun through den doors for several days. The two were released into the exhibit together in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 20. The introduction went well and the two are now on exhibit together daily.

Ahpun and Lyutyik may become a breeding pair, which would provide a new genetic line for the captive population. This is strategic due to pressures placed on wild polar bears by loss of sea ice and global climate change. We will continue to provide community education programs on the impacts of global climate change on polar bears.