PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Zoo is preparing for another emotional farewell as Nora, one of Portland’s favorite polar bears, gets ready to leave for a new chapter in Wisconsin. But the sadness won’t last long — a new young polar bear named Kallik will soon arrive to call Portland home.
Nora’s Journey
Nora, born in 2015 at the Columbus Zoo in Ohio, has lived in several facilities across the country. She spent time in Ohio and Utah before arriving in Portland in 2019. Over the past four years, she has become a beloved resident, drawing fans who followed her story closely — especially after she was featured in The Oregonian/OregonLive’s five-part series “The Loneliest Polar Bear.”
Now, the 8-year-old bear is preparing to move to the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, where keepers hope she will take the next step in her life: raising cubs.
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“We’re going to miss Nora,” said Rachel Ritchason, deputy director of animal care at the Oregon Zoo. “In some ways, it feels like she grew up here. But we know this is an important step for her as well as for the overall polar bear population.”
The zoo has not set a final departure date, but officials say Nora will remain in Portland through the fall, giving fans a last chance to visit.
Why the Move Matters
Nora’s relocation is part of a broader effort by the Polar Bear Species Survival Plan, which manages polar bear populations across accredited zoos. With wild polar bears facing severe threats from climate change and shrinking sea ice, zoo-based breeding programs play a crucial role in protecting the species from extinction.
In Wisconsin, Nora will first meet a 26-year-old female named Berit, before being introduced to a potential mate. Zoo officials hope that pairing will eventually lead to cubs, ensuring that Nora’s legacy contributes to conservation.
Her half-sister, Amelia Gray, who once lived alongside her in Portland, recently moved to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, also as part of the survival plan.
A New Polar Bear for Portland
While Nora departs, the Oregon Zoo will welcome a new resident: Kallik, a young male polar bear from the Saint Louis Zoo.
Born on Nov. 11, 2022, at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, Kallik moved to St. Louis earlier this year with his twin brother. At just under three years old, he weighs about 700 pounds and is described by keepers as “energetic, playful, and curious.”
Kallik’s move to Oregon is expected later this fall. Zoo officials say he will be a lively presence in Portland and a favorite among visitors who have long embraced their polar bear residents.
Portland’s Polar Bear Legacy
Over the years, the Oregon Zoo has built a strong bond with its polar bears. From Amelia Gray and Nora to newcomers like Kallik, these animals have become symbols of resilience and conservation.
Polar bears are among the most threatened large mammals in the wild. Their dependence on sea ice for hunting makes them especially vulnerable to rising global temperatures. Through public engagement and managed care, zoos like Oregon’s aim to raise awareness while supporting international conservation goals.
A Bittersweet Transition
For Portlanders, Nora’s departure marks the end of an era. Visitors who watched her grow from a playful young bear into a confident adult will soon see her embark on a journey with a much larger purpose.
But the zoo assures fans that Nora’s story is not ending — it’s simply entering a new chapter, one that may contribute to the survival of her species.
And as Portlanders prepare to say goodbye to Nora, they can also look forward to saying hello to Kallik, whose youthful energy is expected to bring a new spark to the zoo.
