TOLEDO, Ohio, March 6, 2023: The Toledo Zoo is proud to announce the genders of its twin polar bear cubs. The cubs, born November 11, 2022, were recently confirmed to be two males.
The cubs, who are currently unnamed, are the first set of twin polar bears born at the Zoo since 2012 and were born to 24-year-old female, Crystal, and 18-year-old male, Nuka.
“The cubs are doing very well and are growing quickly. Our animal care team has been monitoring them since birth and are pleased to report that both are healthy and thriving,” said Michael Frushour, curator of mammals for the Toledo Zoo. “We are looking forward to watching their personalities grow as they learn new motor skills over the coming months.”
To celebrate their arrival and gender reveal, the Zoo is launching a naming contest where the public can donate to select their favorite names for the twin male cubs. The contest will start on March 6, and the public will have one week to donate and cast their vote. The contest closes on Sunday, March 12, at midnight.
The Zoo will select the top choice and announce the winning names, shortly before the cubs officially go on exhibit.
“We are excited to see what names the public choose for our two cubs,” Frushour said. “Our team loves involving the community as much as possible, and choosing the names for the two newest members of the Toledo Zoo family will play a crucial role in our training and enrichment processes for the bears.”
Like several animals at the Toledo Zoo, the polar bear has been classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. As such, the Toledo Zoo is dedicated to providing a safe and enriching home for these animals and educating the public about the importance of preserving and protecting wildlife.
To vote in the naming contest, text “CUBS” to 419-900-8966 or click https://www.toledozoo.org/polar-bear-cub-vote.