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Special zoo events for 'Year of the polar bear'

06:00 AM PST on Wednesday, February 27, 2008

By DAVID KROUGH, kgw.com Staff

Polar bears are getting some special attention from the Oregon Zoo at the end of February.

Officials said they’re calling it the “Year of the polar bear.

Canadian biologists are trying to protect polar bears along the Arctic coastline known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World." The Oregon Zoo wants to help out with conservation partner Polar Bears International and will showcase special exhibits from Feb. 28 to March 1.

Oregon Zoo

Some scientists think rising temperatures on Earth could affect the ice caps and polar bear habitat.

"We hope this event brings attention to what is happening to these charismatic animals in the wild," zoo director Tony Vecchio said. "These bears are very affected by climate change. The sea ice is arriving later and later in the season and melting sooner, which is putting great stress on them."

Visitors will be able to check out an interactive polar bear display, see a replica of a polar bear skull and feel a polar bear pelt.

The polar bears themselves will also get some attention, with a special playtime.

"Arctic Ambassador" Kaitlyn Casimo will discuss her trip to Churchill, Canada to talk about how the bears are coping with climate change.

There will also be surprise gifts to take home.