Imagine polar bears swimming right over your head. This is the Arctic Ring of Life. It is one of North America’s largest polar bear habitats. We are now entering this state-of-the-art facility.
The Arctic Ring of Life covers more than four acres. It includes both outdoor and indoor spaces. The highlight here is the Frederick and Barbara Erb Polar Passage. This is a 70-foot-long clear tunnel. It winds through a vast underwater marine environment.
As we walk through the tunnel, look up. Polar bears are swimming and diving above us. The tunnel is 12 feet wide and 8 feet tall. It offers incredible views. The animals appear to be in a single environment.
The Arctic Ring of Life is more than just polar bears. We can also see arctic foxes. Grey, harp, and harbor seals also live here. The exhibit can accommodate up to six polar bears. It is designed to represent three different polar bear habitat types. These are the grassy tundra, open sea, and frozen pack ice.
The exhibit is divided into two areas. These are the Tundra exhibit and the Pack Ice exhibit. They are separated by dry moats. The Tundra exhibit features arctic grasses. It also has a freshwater pool. The Pack Ice exhibit simulates ice and gravel. It has a saltwater pool.
We are now entering the ice world. We are passing through a frigid ice cave. The exhibit then leads to the Exploration Station. This area provides additional indoor viewing. The exhibit was designed to set a high standard for polar bear care.
Did you know this exhibit cost just under 16 million dollars? Construction began in April 1999. The Arctic Ring of Life opened to the public on October 20, 2001.
The Detroit Zoo staff provides enrichment for the animals. They also conduct training activities. Food enrichment happens at random times each day. Trout are raised on site. They are released into the bear and seal pools for food and enrichment.
The water in the pools is maintained between 50 and 61 degrees Fahrenheit. The entire water volume is filtered and changed. This happens every 60 to 70 minutes.
The Detroit Zoo’s Arctic Ring of Life has been recognized. It was named the No. 2 Best Zoo Exhibit in the U.S. by the Intrepid Traveler’s guide.
Currently, two bears live in the exhibit. Suka is a female born in 2013. Nuka is a male born in 2004. Nuka returned to the Detroit Zoo in March 2023. He had been on loan to the Toledo Zoo for breeding.
As we leave the Arctic Ring of Life, consider the importance of these exhibits. They educate us about these amazing animals. They also raise awareness about the threats they face in the wild. Climate change, habitat loss, and pollution endanger polar bears. Seeing them up close helps us understand the need for conservation.