Astra, Como Zoo’s new polar bear, has arrived

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory has a new resident.

Astra, a four-year-old, 700-pound female polar bear, arrived Thursday night from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Wash.

Upon arrival, the zoo announced, Astra entered a mandatory quarantine period behind the scenes, but the zoo hopes to give Astra access to the deep-water exhibit in Polar Bear Odyssey as early as this weekend.

Her timeline will depend on how she adjusts and Como Zoo has not yet announced a date for Astra’s public debut. Guests are encouraged to follow Como Park Zoo & Conservatory on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on when she will first be visible to visitors.

Astra’s move, the zoo explains, is part of a comprehensive plan rolled out by members of the Polar Bear Population Alliance, a new consortium of Ass