A two-and-a-half year old polar bear called Kali has been shipped, extra-special delivery, by FedEx into his new home in a US zoo.
Kali was orphaned in Alaska as a cub, and has now been moved from Rochester, New York to the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri, travelling via a FedEx Express Flight and then in a temperature-controlled FedEx Custom Critical vehicle.
Weighing in at 850lb, which is 385kg, (or if you are a fan of the imperial system, 61 stone) Kali is now being settled into the McDonnell Polar Bear Point exhibit at St Louis Zoo, which opens on 6 June. Home is a 40,000 sq ft (3,700 sq m) facility with a 22 ft (almost 7 metres) viewing window, where Kali can come right up to the glass to greet guests. It also features a sea water area with a four-panel viewing wall.
“Kali arrived safe and sound and is adjusting nicely to his new surroundings,” said Saint Louis Zoo Curator of Mammals/Carnivores Steve Bircher.
“We are extremely grateful to FedEx for their generosity in transporting Kali with such care and attention to his well-being,” said Jeffrey P Bonner, PhD, president and CEO of the Saint Louis Zoo.
“FedEx is committed to the conservation of at-risk animal populations, and we’re proud to have played a part in Kali’s journey,” said Neil Gibson, vice president FedEx corporate communications. “We applaud the work of the Saint Louis Zoo and wish Kali a bright and happy future in his new home.”
