Kodiak Brown Bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi)

Bruno, the Kodiak brown bear, is the undisputed giant of the zoo. Standing nearly 10 feet tall on his hind legs and weighing over 1,300 pounds, Bruno is one of the largest bears in captivity. Despite his imposing size, he has a surprisingly gentle and curious nature. His favorite pastime is fishing in the artificial river within his expansive enclosure, where zookeepers regularly release live fish as enrichment. Visitors are captivated as they watch Bruno skillfully scoop fish out of the water with his massive paws, showcasing the hunting techniques his wild counterparts use.

One memorable moment occurred during a snowy winter day when Bruno discovered a hidden cache of treats buried in the snow by his keepers. Watching him joyfully dig, roll, and toss snow into the air was a sight that left visitors smiling. Bruno’s story highlights the incredible adaptability and resilience of Kodiak bears, as well as the importance of protecting the pristine Alaskan wilderness they call home. Through him, the zoo educates visitors about the balance between human activity and wildlife conservation, inspiring efforts to preserve these magnificent animals and their habitats.