Detroit Zoo welcomes new polar bear in planned swap with Toledo Zoo

Kali, a 13-year-old polar bear, has arrived at the Detroit Zoo from the Toledo Zoo as part of a strategic animal transfer.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:07pm

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The Detroit Zoo and Toledo Zoo have exchanged polar bears to support conservation efforts. A 13-year-old polar bear named Kali has arrived at the Detroit Zoo from Toledo, while Nuka, a longtime resident of the Detroit Zoo, has been relocated to the Toledo Zoo. The transfer aims to enhance the health and sustainability of polar bear populations in zoos.

Why it matters

The transfer reflects the collaboration between the Detroit and Toledo Zoos to support responsible breeding programs and animal well-being, which is critical to the future of polar bears, a species facing mounting threats from climate change and diminishing sea ice in the wild.

The details

Kali, who was rescued as a cub in 2013 after being orphaned in Alaska, has been known for his physical strength and problem-solving skills. At the Detroit Zoo, he will share the Arctic Ring of Life habitat with females Suka and Haley, with a gradual introduction process overseen by animal care staff. The Detroit Zoo plans to share updates on Kali's progress with the community.

  • Kali, now 13, was rescued as a cub in 2013.
  • Kali relocated to the Toledo Zoo in 2025.
  • Kali has now arrived at the Detroit Zoo in January 2026.

The players

Kali

A 13-year-old polar bear who has arrived at the Detroit Zoo from the Toledo Zoo as part of a strategic animal transfer.

Nuka

A longtime resident of the Detroit Zoo who has been relocated to the Toledo Zoo as part of the animal transfer.

Detroit Zoo

A zoo recognized internationally for its leadership in polar bear conservation and home to one of North America's largest polar bear habitats.

Toledo Zoo

A zoo that has partnered with the Detroit Zoo on the strategic animal transfer to enhance the health and sustainability of polar bear populations in zoos.

Mike Murray

The chief life sciences officer for the Detroit Zoo.

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What they’re saying

“This successful transfer reflects the collaboration of our teams in Detroit and Toledo, as well as a shared commitment to animal well-being and conservation.”

— Mike Murray, Chief Life Sciences Officer, Detroit Zoo (freep.com)

“Nuka is an incredible polar bear, and we know he will continue to thrive in Toledo, where he will once again be paired with female polar bear Crystal. Here in Detroit, Kali is already settling in, and we know he will be an outstanding ambassador for his species and a wonderful addition to the polar bear group.”

— Mike Murray, Chief Life Sciences Officer, Detroit Zoo (freep.com)

What’s next

The Detroit Zoo plans to share updates on Kali's progress with the community as he adjusts to his new home.

The takeaway

The strategic transfer of polar bears between the Detroit and Toledo Zoos demonstrates their collaborative efforts to support the health and sustainability of polar bear populations in accredited zoos, which is crucial for the conservation of this species facing increasing threats in the wild.