Party for Sakari

press release: Today Henry Vilas Zoo announced the departure of the male polar bear Sakari as part of a coordinated set of moves to properly place bears for future breeding. The polar bear Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendations are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) advisory group that manages the polar bear population in North American Zoos helping insure the species for future generations.

“Polar bears are threatened in the wild, which is why it is imperative to work together with other AZA accredited zoos to provide the best possible chance for the species to reproduce. Zoos are part one part of the conservation effort to help save polar bears in the wild,” said Zoo Director Ronda Schwetz.

To send Sakari off in style, the community is invited to join Henry Vilas Zoo staff at the Glacier Grille restaurant overlooking the polar bear exhibit on Friday, November 18, from 10am-4pm. Guests will be able to see Sakari and his sister Suka as well as write him goodbye letter.