County Executive Melissa Agard Welcomes Nora the Polar Bear to the Henry Vilas Zoo

January 15, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive, Henry Vilas Zoo

DANE COUNTY — On Thursday, County Executive Melissa Agard joined zoo staff and community partners at the Henry Vilas Zoo to welcome Nora, a 10-year-old female polar bear who recently arrived from the Oregon Zoo.

After a period of acclimation, Nora will join the zoo’s existing polar bears—Berit and Siku—as part of a comprehensive plan led by the Polar Bear Population Alliance, a collaboration of accredited zoos working to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse polar bear population in the United States. Staff hope that Nora and Siku will one day raise cubs, contributing to the sustainability of the species.

“Welcoming Nora to Henry Vilas Zoo is both a joyful moment and a powerful reminder of what’s at stake as our climate changes,” said County Executive Melissa Agard. “Thanks to the dedication of our exceptional zoo staff and conservation partners, Dane County is a national leader in polar bear care—advancing science, inspiring the public, and helping ensure a future where polar bears can thrive.”

Polar bears face growing risk from Arctic sea ice melting due to climate change. With Nora’s arrival, Henry Vilas Zoo is now home to nearly 10 percent of the 36 polar bears in managed care nationwide. The zoo’s award-winning polar bear habitat was designed with cubs in mind, positioning Dane County as a national leader in captive polar bear management.

“Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the few sites suitable for polar bear breeding,” said Executive Zoo Director Ronda Schwetz. “Our award-winning polar bear habitat was built with cubs in mind and our animal care team has the experience needed to provide Nora with the best possible care.”

County Executive Agard also highlighted the zoo’s broader commitment to sustainability and climate leadership. Last year, Dane County announced a goal of transitioning Henry Vilas Zoo to become fossil fuel free within the next 15 years, including plans for a new solar pavilion that will help power zoo operations and demonstrate the role clean energy can play in public community spaces.

“At a time when our environment faces immense pressure, this moment reflects the best of who we are in Dane County,” Agard said. “It’s about shared values, shared science, and shared stewardship—and about working together to build a more sustainable future.”

Henry Vilas Zoo is one of only ten free, AZA-accredited zoos in the world and is dedicated to exceptional animal care, wildlife conservation, and public education. The zoo works with partners to connect visitors with the natural world and inspire action to protect it.