Detroit Zoo Welcomes New 13-year-old Polar Bear Named Kali

ROYAL OAK, MI — The Detroit Zoo welcomed a new polar bear to the Arctic Ring of Life exhibit Friday.

Kali, a 13-year-old male polar bear, joins the zoo from the Toledo Zoo. In exchange, the Detroit Zoo moved Nuka to Toledo where he will once again be paired with female polar bear Crystal.

The move was recommended by the Polar Bear Population Alliance, a group focused on the long-term sustainability of polar bear populations in accredited zoos around the world.

"While we’ll miss Nuka dearly, we’re grateful to see him continue to thrive—and excited to welcome Kali to Detroit as both bears play an important role in polar bear population," zoo officials said in a statement.

Zoo officials said Kali is already making himself at home, as caretakers describe him as gregarious, curious and incredibly smart.

They also said he loves watching zoo guests, exploring his habitat and tackling enrichment puzzles with both brains and brawn. He will be gradually introduced to females Suka and Haley under the guidance of the zoo's expert animal care team.