2010 could be the year to move to a new home for many Twin Cities families. But, not only are people getting new digs, Como Park will be opening its Polar Bear Odyssey on June 3, 2010. The polar bears’ new home is a definite move up from their starter-home caves of days gone by. I took this photo in for a college photography class in the early 1980’s. This was even before the cement cave with the attached pool where you could see the bears swim right up to the glass.
Looking for MORE photos of Como Park? Check out these posts:
- A Spring Walk in the Park in Pictures--A Como Zoo Tour!
- Photo Tour of Como Park Conservatory—Minnesotan’s Favorite Eye Candy!
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Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
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He looks like he slipped and fell on his rear.
Mike--The bear is doing a trick for a marshmallow. He would sit up and hold his feet. The story we were told is that they were circus bears at one time and they would do tricks for apples or marshmallows. So we would hold up the treats and the bears did tricks. (I think giving treats was frowned upon but the bears enjoyed them!) This guy sat up...The kodiak would stand up and wave. It was a long time ago. I think these bears are long gone but it was fun way back when.
Teri, That is a very COOL 1980's photo. I wonder what he is doing now? How long do polar bears live?
This is an incredible photo. I would love to see the polar bears.. what a gem at Como park.
Hi Teri,
He looks sort of funny just sitting up the way he is. I'd imagine that was a great exhibit.
We had a fun trip to Como Zoo a few years back. I think it might be time to go again. Do they still have the beautiful gardens?
Teri, that is a most unusual shot of a Polar Bear!
Now if he only had a Coke in in paw it would be worth Millions.
Teri ~ OMG he is so adorable. Want to huge him, but cute and dangerous!
Teri,
Great shot, hehehe I was laughing about the comment that Terry did, it seems like the coca cola bear ! :P
I'm impressed you still had the photo, but it is a great photo and hope they enjoy their new home in June.
Hi Terri, What a great picture of the polar bear. I have a dog who sits like that sometimes. It's so funny when she does it.
Hi Terri, What a great picture of the polar bear. I have a dog who sits like that sometimes. It's so funny when she does it.
Marchel--Great question! I know that one polar bear was killed at Como Park to save someone who climbed into his area in the early 1970's. That bear is at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St Paul. I don't know for sure if they ever replaced the bears again but would guess they have. But according to another website, polar bears can live to their mid to late 30's so these could be the same bears that are currently there. I don't know for certain. If I had to guess, I would think they are different bears though.
Joan--The old park was very cool but they have improved the grounds substantially since the 1980's to protect the animals.
Lynda--This old exhibit was one of my favorite places to visit as a college student. I would ride my bike over from campus at least once a week to feed the bears and the ducks. One time all the peacocks flew off monkey island and chased us for peanuts. It has changed over the years but I loved the old zoo the best.
Brenda--Of course they do...check out the links to the gardens.
Maria--They loved to do tricks for spectators!
Terry--I took this shot before the Coke bear made his debut but he could have been the inspiration...or model!
Monique--He does look huggable from a safe distance...up close I think he would be a bit scary.
George&Arlene--I have lots of photos from college and the 80s. Lots of animal photos as going to zoos was a favorite thing to do...Como was free.
Crystal--How cute...You'll have to try to snap a picture of her to share sometime.
Now that is one happy fellow!
your friend in Charlottesville Virginia!
Oh Teri this is absolutely adorable but I wouldn't hug him....:)