:focal(1657x465:1658x466):quality(75))
Conditions of stay
:quality(90))
Seasons
Polar bears do not live on snow in summer, but in the tundra, an area of grass and small shrubs.
Polar bears are used to warm temps in the summer.
The polar bear's enclosure is adapted both inside and out to the Dutch climate and is equipped with water and shelter.
Did you know that a polar bear lives on ice because its prey lives there?
Polar bears live in the Arctic on the sea ice and surrounding land. In winter there is snow here; in summer this land is covered with grass and berry bushes. There are also mud pools then, in which the polar bear likes to roll around.
Prey on ice
Polar bears live on the ice because their prey - mainly seals - live in that environment. They are well adapted to life in the Arctic. For example, they have very thick fur that keeps them well warm. Even under their paws there is hair. This keeps them from slipping on the ice. Their ears and tail are very small, so they can't freeze.
This is not to say that the polar bear cannot stand heat: even in its natural habitat, the polar bear experiences warmer temperatures. When they get too hot, they simply take a dip in the water to cool off.
Swimming
The polar bear enclosure at AquaZoo, which is a whopping 5,000m2, has been adapted to the Dutch climate. In the two outdoor areas are soil in which the polar bears can dig and there are also vantage points three meters high. There are also opportunities for shade and two pools of water for swimming. On hot days, they also get "ice creams" and showers.