Detroit Zoo Welcomes Polar Bear Guest

What's white, weighs 900 pounds and is named for a bird? The Detroit Zoo's latest resident.

Aquila (pronounced ah-KEE-la), a 19-year-old male polar bear, will be living in the zoo's Arctic Ring of Life for the two years while his habitat at the North Carolina Zoo is being renovated.  

“We’re excited that the Detroit Zoo was recommended as Aquila’s temporary home and happy to share our award-winning facility with him,” Chief Life Sciences Officer Scott Carter said in a statement.

Aquila, which is Latin for eagle, joins 11-year-old male Lee, 27-year-old female Bärle (pronounced BEAR-la) and her daughter, 7-year-old Talini. Other residents in the Arctic Ring of Life include seals and arctic foxes.

Aquila makes his debut just in time for the Detroit Zoological Society’s annual fundraiser, Sunset at the Zoo. The gala at 7 p.m. Friday features a strolling supper, zoo-themed martinis, live entertainment, dancing and access to the zoo’s award-winning animal habitats and Dinosauria at twilight., zoo officials said. A live auction includes experiences such as a gourmet dinner for 12 with the polar bears and a polar bear and seal feeding for six.

Tickets range from $150-$300. To purchase tickets by phone, call (248) 541-5717 and press 3; for more information and to order tickets online, visit www.detroitzoo.org/sunset.