Laerke, a polar bear cub at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, recently underwent her annual medical exam. The exam required a team of six veterinary staff to turn Laerke over due to her size. The results of the exam were encouraging, showing her to be in optimal health without any signs of illness. Laerke has been living in Washington state with her twin sister since June 2023 when they moved from the Detroit Zoo. The head veterinarian, Karen Wolf, mentioned that they checked Laerke for any lumps, bumps, masses, or large lymph nodes that could indicate ill health, but they did not find anything of concern.
During the hour-long exam, Laerke was checked from nose to tail, and her ears were cleaned, which the veterinary staff joked was like a “spa treatment.” The exclusive access to film Laerke during the exam was given to Reuters. Head Veterinarian Karen Wolf mentioned that it is incredible to get hands-on experience with polar bears, as there are very few of them left in the world. With the threat of extinction due to global warming and climate change, it is essential to provide support and educate the public about the importance of conservation efforts for polar bears.
As warming in the Arctic threatens the traditional habitat of polar bears, the animals are spending more time on land, leading to hunger and threats to their population numbers. Sheriden Ploof, the Rocky Shore & Tundra Assistant Curator at Point Defiance Zoo, emphasized the critical role that zoos play in educating the public about the risks that climate change poses to wildlife. Zoos are not only for display purposes but also serve to educate visitors about the need for conservation efforts to protect species like polar bears. The threats from climate change have made it imperative for zoos to work towards conserving species and raising awareness about the effects of climate change.
The team of veterinary staff at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, provided Laerke with a thorough medical exam to ensure her optimal health. The exam involved various tests similar to those done for humans, including blood, urine, and heart evaluations. The team of six veterinary staff had to carefully turn Laerke over due to her size, but the results showed that she was in good health without any signs of illness. Laerke and her twin sister have been living in Washington state since 2023, following their move from the Detroit Zoo.
The risks posed by climate change to polar bears and their habitat are significant, with the animals facing challenges such as hunger and threats to their population numbers. As polar bears spend more time on land due to the decline in sea ice, it is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of conservation efforts to protect them from extinction. Zoos play a vital role in educating the public about climate change and its effects on wildlife, including polar bears. By providing a platform for visitors to learn about conservation efforts and the impacts of climate change, zoos like Point Defiance Zoo aim to contribute to the protection of species like polar bears.
Overall, Laerke’s annual medical exam at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, provided encouraging results, showing her to be in optimal health. The veterinary staff conducted a thorough check to ensure that Laerke did not have any signs of illness, and the exam highlighted the importance of conservation efforts for polar bears. With the threat of climate change impacting polar bear habitats, zoos play a crucial role in raising awareness and educating the public about the risks facing wildlife. By working towards conserving species and promoting understanding of climate change, zoos hope to contribute to the protection of animals like Laerke and her twin sister.
