Unbearably entertaining
Visitors to the Toledo Zoo on March 16 were entertained and enthralled with the zoo’s newest exhibit, Kodiak Ridge. The 14,000-square-foot space is home to three bears–sisters Cody and Montana, grizzly bears orphaned in 2015 at Yellowstone National Park, and Dodge, a Kodiak bear from Alaska. Dodge is by far the biggest at more than 1,000 pounds, whereas Cody is 575 pounds and her sister Montana weighs in at 615.
The bears’ new den features a 5,000-gallon pool, 130-square-foot cave for napping and a sensory log that allows visitors to crawl inside and view the bears in an entirely different way. Visitors also can view the animals from the Tembo Trail and Tiger Terrace. The area has a dedicated space for the bears with a similar public sand box on the opposite side of the exhibit.
Several years in the making, Kodiak Ridge was made possible by the support of the Komminsk family. Jeff Sailer, executive director, expressed appreciation to all those involved in bringing the project to fruition. “We put a lot of effort into this,” he said, adding, “We are really proud to have this exhibit.” In addition to the Komminsk family, he thanked the state for its grant support, the Buehrer Group for their efforts and the bear staff, who kept the animals content in temporary quarters while the work was being completed.
Mike Rowe, architect and partner for Buehrer Group, noted the company has partnered with the zoo on other projects and enjoyed creating this special habitat.
Lu Cooke, northwest Ohio liaison for Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, presented Mr. Sailer with a proclamation from Governor DeWine’s office, recognizing the exhibit opening and commending them for their hard work and dedication. “We look forward to the joy it will bring visitors,” the governor wrote.
Clockwise from top left, one bear quickly found its way to the pond, taking a morning dip in the cool water; cutting the ribbon to officially open the display are Ms. Cooke, Mr. Sailer and Mr. Rowe, and a breakfast reception held in the Natural History building prior to the grand opening featured an artist painting one of the bears.
The Toledo Zoo is at 2 Hippo Way and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit toledozoo.org.
