Zoo's polar bears get new 14 million exhibit

A contest is under way to rename the two bears.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Two polar bears at the Pittsburgh Zoo & amp; PPG Aquarium should be resting easier these days.
The zoo has unveiled a 14 million exhibit for the animals that includes a waterfall, a freshwater stream and a 150,000-gallon pool chilled to between 50 and 55 degrees. It also features a yard where they can play or nap.
The bears explored the exhibit for the first time Thursday. It is set to open for public viewing Wednesday.
Zoo workers traveled to other zoos around the country to gather ideas for the space, which incorporates the best features of similar polar bear exhibits, according to Amos Morris, curator of mammals at the zoo.
"The colder, the better," he said of conditions for the polar bears, which even have an air-conditioned cave to keep them comfortable in warmer weather. The cave has a viewing window so visitors can observe them.
The twin bears, which were born at the Denver Zoo and arrived in Pittsburgh in June, will be 2 years old Friday. They weigh about 600 pounds each, but are expected to grow to between 1,100 and 1,300 pounds.
One is adventurous and loves toys, while the other is subdued and puts food first, Morris said.
The polar bears have been known as Koda and Nuka, but a contest is under way to rename them. Their new names likely will be announced in the next two to three weeks, said Connie George, a zoo spokeswoman.
Space for five
The zoo has space for five polar bears and may start a breeding program in a few years. A new building has indoor holding areas and a large outdoor holding area out of public view.
Visitors may view the bears by walking along a path through a replica of an Alaskan fishing village. A tunnel that allows visitors to see the bears swimming will open in the spring.
The exhibit, called "Water's Edge," will be completed with the addition of sea otters and walruses due to arrive next year.
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