Polar Bear Turns 17 at Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield, Ill. – Hudson, one of Brookfield Zoo’s polar bears is 17 years old today. Born on December 14, 2006, Hudson made his debut at the Zoo’s former Bear Grottos, and has been a favorite of zoogoers ever since.

Hudson recently celebrated his birthday with some special treats. His animal care team crafted one savory ice cake with herring (one of Hudson's favorite fish) and one sweet ice treat topped with raisins. Staff even wrapped his barrel, one of his favorite enrichment items, which he threw around once he finished devouring his birthday treats.

Zoogoers can see Hudson at the Great Bear Wilderness habitat during the remaining evenings of Holiday Magic, which are December 14-17, 21-23, and 26-31. On these dates the Zoo is open from 3 to 9 p.m. On non-Holiday Magic dates, Brookfield Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 

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Photo Captions—credit (Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo
7070, 7075, 7377, and 7392: Hudson, one of Brookfield Zoo’s polar bears, turns 17 years old today, December 14. In celebration, he recently received several special enrichment items and treats.
 

About the Chicago Zoological Society
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Society is known throughout the world for its international role in animal population management and wildlife conservation. Brookfield Zoo is the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, meeting American Humane Association’s rigorous certification standards. The Zoo is located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and also is accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, and CTA and PACE bus service. For further information, visit CZS.org.