BREAKING: ADORABLE POLAR BEAR, NORA, IS LEAVING COLUMBUS

DAMN IT. 

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has announced today that Nora is leaving us, and she’s going to Oregon Zoo this fall. The last day to see the nine-month-old bear at the Columbus Zoo will be Labor Day, Sept. 5.

Nora is only on view in the morning, so plan accordingly because this diva is in high demand. And rightly so, look at her!

Although this is wildly depressing and Nora will be greatly missed, this allows for more lil’ baby polar bears to be born. Apparently Nora’s departure will open up new opportunities, which is awesome.

Polar bear births are incredibly rare and even after they’re born they only have a 50 percent survival rate in their first weeks of life, both in the Arctic Circle and in human care.

“To think back to that first week of her life, when there was such a high chance that she would not survive, we cannot be anything but happy to see her grow into the strong, playful and intelligent bear she has become,” said Columbus Zoo President and CEO Tom Stalf. “We are overjoyed to share this important milestone in Nora’s life with the fantastic care team at the Oregon Zoo.” 

Godspeed Nora, godspeed.

For more information about the Columbus Zoo and the Polar Frontier region, visit ColumbusZoo.org.

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