February 27, 2022

International Polar Bear Day

Standing up to 12 feet tall and weighing up to 1,600 pounds, these magnificent icons of the Arctic are the largest land carnivores on Earth. In fact, polar bears have no natural predators, but that doesn’t mean the polar bear is without its challenges. A warming planet, caused by climate change, is melting the polar bear’s sea ice habitat away.

Join us at the San Diego Zoo on Sunday, February 27 to celebrate International Polar Bear Day and to learn more about the mighty sea bear, with interactive experiences with wildlife care specialists, conservation chats with field scientists, and fun surprises for the whole family.

Wildlife Care Specialist and Polar Bear at the Zoo

Ask an Ally!

9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge

Enjoy exclusive opportunities to meet with wildlife care specialists and field scientists to learn more about the mighty polar bear, and the incredible efforts you support at the San Diego Zoo and across the Arctic each and every day!

9:30 a.m.: Polar Bear Care Specialist
10:30 a.m.: Conservation Scientist
11 a.m.: Polar Bear Care Specialist
Noon: Bird Care Specialist – Arctic Aviary
12:30 p.m.: Conservation Scientist
1:30 p.m.: Polar Bear Care Specialist

Meet Dr. Zoolittle

9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge

Everyone’s favorite wildlife science explorer will be roaming around Polar Bear Plunge to answer your wildlife questions!

Thermostat Challenge

9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge

How does adjusting your thermostat help protect polar bears? Find out how you can be an Ally and take the pledge to ensure that polar bears, people, and our shared ecosystems thrive.

Steps for Our Future

9:30 a.m–2 p.m.
Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge

Share your wish for wildlife and your love of polar bears through our interactive Steps for Our Future wall.

Buy a Souvenir, Protect a Polar Bear

Friday, Feb. 25–Sunday, Feb. 27

Polar bear merchandise will be available for 20 percent off, all weekend long. Take home a polar bear plush, a T-shirt made from recycled materials, or other keepsakes to share your love for polar bears, while also supporting the wildlife you love. Your purchase goes toward protecting their future and ours!

Photo Opportunities

10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge

Snap a selfie with your favorite larger-than-life polar bear, the lovable costumed character Churchill P. Bear.

Be an Ally for Wildlife

As an Ally for wildlife, your continued support fuels critical conservation efforts that help us better understand how polar bears are adapting to their changing landscape and, in turn, how we can best support them.

Take the pledge to protect the polar bear’s future and help us create a world where all life thrives.