Trek to the abandoned mining town at Polar Frontier to explore the Arctic Circle, where you will discover animals that live in some of the coldest climates in the world.
Spotlight Animals
Area Features
Guests young and old are transformed into scientists at the Batelle Ice Bear Outpost, learning how to save polar bears and their rapidly disappearing ice. The Outpost contains science centers, Arctic Ambassadors videos, storybook learning, video games and an indoor play area.
In addition to the interactive areas inside, children can play in a replica tundra buggy, race on dual slides, climb on igloos, and jump on ice spots at the themed Polar Playground.
Hungry? Stop for a bite to eat at the Polar Grille. Then head over to the Yukon Fossils & Gems Gift Shop to pick out a special memento of your visit to Polar Frontier.
Aurora and Lee
Polar bear Lee recently returned to the Columbus Zoo on a breeding recommendation from the Species Survival Plan. He and Aurora enjoy exploring their enrichment, swimming and napping together.
Brutus and Buckeye
These brown bear brothers came to the Columbus Zoo from Alaska as rescue animals after they were orphaned in 2004. The cubs became known as Brutus and Buckeye in honor of their new Ohio home.
Playful Foxes
The Arctic fox often trails behind the polar bear in the wild, eating scraps from the polar bear’s meals. You can watch the Arctic fox pounce and play in the garden shed at Polar Frontier.
Did you know?
Bears are not true hibernators. Instead, they go into a deep sleep called torpor. Their body temperatures do not drop significantly and the bears wake up on occasion. Their breathing and heart rates slow to help their bodies conserve energy.
Brutus and Buckeye’s favorite sleeping spot is curled up in straw nests in their cave. Sometimes the bears will even snuggle up together. See if you can spot Brutus – he is a bed hog and will be the brother with more straw!
