Qannik and her guest enjoy swifty birthday party

22.1.2024 – Photos and story by Molly Merrow

Qannik’s rescue story is well known, how as a tiny cub she was separated from her mother and sister in an Alaskan blizzard on the North Slope, and rescued, taken to the Alaska Zoo to recover, then to the Louisville Zoo. That was 13 years ago, and the zoo has celebrated her birthday in a grand fashion every year since.

Since Qannik is wildborn, we don’t know her exact birthday, but the Department of Fish and Wildlife has designated January 10 as her official birthday. Weather has put the birthday celebration on hold until this past weekend, January 20.

This year, to mark her entrance into her teen years, the zoo presented a Taylor Swift themed party, complete with catchy song titles and free posters featuring photos of Qannik and tips for conservation cleverly using Taylor Swift song titles.

Qannik also apparently invited a special guest, the Night Heron who has been frequenting her home and the neighboring seal habitat for the past year. The keepers say the Heron is somewhat annoying, as he (or she) steals the food, but Qannik doesn’t seem to mind, and even welcomes the company.

Night Herons are native to Kentucky, but usually do their hunting at night, and sit by the waters edge just chilling out during the day. It is unusual for a Night Heron to adopt a zoo habitat as its home, but that is a good place to pick up fishy snacks, so it makes sense for this smart bird.

The “stage” was set with a special conservation ERAS poster held in place with delicious peanut butter and the debut announcement of Qannik’s RED album (pretend). Party food included her favorite pumpkin chunks and frozen ice treats.

Some guests from Cincinnati wore their polar bear hats, which was appropriate since the day was sunny but cold, with a windchill below zero. Kyle, the zoo’s marketing director, wore all pink as she lead the group in singing Happy Birthday to Qannik.

This year promises to be an ERA of big changes for Qannik, as Fish and Wildlife has lifted the ban on breeding of rescued polar bears in US zoos, so she may be getting a boyfriend soon. Maybe he will even like to play football.

Molly Merrow