At the Buffalo Zoo in New York state, a three-month-old polar bear cub, weighing 23lbs, has made her first appearance.
The cub, one of just two born in captivity across North America last year, was introduced to the public.
For now, she is being called Luna until a permanent name is decided through community voting.
The zoo aims to inspire the western New York community to participate in their fundraising campaign by pledging towards the polar initiative, which will fund the development of the Arctic Edge exhibit and secure the cub’s presence in Buffalo.
The cub has been raised by the zoo’s veterinary technician and keeper staff with great care.
Her father, Nanuq, was a wild-caught bear who became orphaned in Alaska and was later paired with her mother, Anana, who gave birth in November.
According to zookeeper Alice Rohauer, ‘Caring for her is enjoyable. She is playing much more now and shows increased interaction with me. Watching her play with her toys is quite entertaining.’
‘Though she can be a handful, it is enjoyable.’
Ms. Rohauer humorously remarked, ‘When she’s sleeping, she’s really adorable.’
The Buffalo Zoo has dedicated the last two years to raising over $14 million of the total $18 million required to construct a new entrance and polar bear exhibit.
They are reaching out to the residents of western New York and the nearby communities to help gather the remaining funds.
