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
The Columbus Zoo is open all year long, and there's something different to do and see each time!
Check back here for seasonal updates.
Brown Bear torpor is in full-effect! Torpor is a hibernation-like state that bears use to conserve energy in the winter. Guests can still see them snoozing away in the "cave"!
The Zoo supports Polar Bears International, who help secure a future for polar bears across the Arctic.
Aurora and Lee
Popular and beloved residents of the Columbus Zoo, Lee 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!
