As polar bears face threats to their survival in the wild he was a reminder of why they must be saved. He was at the zoo when I was a docent so many years ago. For years he delighted visitors with his antics in the polar bear pool. Swimming close to the glass he would push off from it with his massive back feet, giving everyone a truer sense of his size and a second's chance to press a hand against the glass where his paw met it on the other side. He forged real and true connections with visitors that were more powerful than any we could create.
Yukon and Aurora have been together for as long as I can remember. Together they have produced several cubs which are now living in zoos all over the country. It is a comfort to know that Yukon goes on even if we must learn to do without him here at home.
Through all of our sorrow shines a small beacon of hope - there is a good chance that Aurora may be pregnant again. We won't know for a few months but, if she is, I hope she gives birth to a male cub which can be named Yukon, after his father.
I'm pretty sure this is Yukon: YouTube Yukon Here are some more videos: Aurora and Yukon , Pool Fun
Below are some pictures I took of him this summer.
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