Kallik, the polar bear, to leave STL Zoo this fall

Editor's note: This video is from March 25, 2025

ST. LOUIS - In a national effort to help advance the species’ conservation, polar bear Kallik will be leaving the St. Louis Zoo.

According to the St. Louis Zoo—who shared the announcement on Tuesday—Kallik will be transferred to the Oregon Zoo later this fall. The zoo said this move is part of the Polar Bear Population Alliance’s initiative, which aims to sustain the polar bear population in the United States.

Kallik came to the St. Louis Zoo in March 2025 with his twin brother, Kallu. The brothers are turning three this November and they are in their “subadulthood,” the zoo claims.

“From 2.5 to 5 years old, polar bears experience rapid growth and increased hormone production. This motivates male polar bears to seek more independence as they enter adulthood. Separating Kallu and Kallik at this age will help both males prepare for their next phase of life,” the St. Louis Zoo wrote.

The St. Louis Zoo says it does not have any plans to move Kallu at this time. 

Although the Kallik will be departing soon, the St. Louis Zoo says that polar bears are usually self-sufficient, except when it comes to breeding or raising cubs.

“When they're older, Kallu and Kallik may be recommended to pair with female polar bears, though plans for that have yet to be determined,” the St. Louis Zoo wrote.

For more updates surrounding Kallik the polar bear, visit here.