Photo of the Week: December 16

Siku, a 1,000-pound male polar bear, voluntarily participates in an operant-conditioning training session at the new Walter Family Arctic Tundra. By opening his mouth and displaying his eyes, ears and feet for inspection, the massive mammal contributes to his own care. The zoo’s Animal Care and Guest Engagement staffs are working together at this time to get Siku comfortable at the exhibit’s training wall before we confirm set times for daily public viewings. For now, you can always drop by any day for a peep at those big paws and sharp claws as Siku roams about his state-of-the-art home.