Shamrock-themed treats will abound as the Oregon Zoo hosts a St. Paddy's Day party for its polar bears and sea otters on March 17.

During 2008, the zoo is participating in the Year of the Polar Bear in conjunction with its conservation partner, Polar Bears International. The yearlong event is designed to tell the story of what is happening to polar bears in the wild, suggesting practical ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

Global warming, and the resultant disappearance of Arctic ice, is the biggest threat to polar bears today.

In addition to watching the polar bears receive their St. Paddy's Day treats, visitors will learn more about the crisis in the Arctic and what they can do to help save the world's largest land carnivore.

At 9:45 a.m., guests will visit a hands-on learning station and discover little-known polar bear facts at an interactive polar bear display. Children can touch a replica of a polar bear skull and feel a polar bear pelt. Guests also receive polar bear bookmarks and puzzles to take home. A separate station is dedicated to teaching children what they can do to reduce their carbon footprints at home.

The festivities continue at 10 a.m., when guests can watch the zoo's polar bears play and interact with plastic balls and ice blocks. At 10:15 a.m., keepers discuss issues polar bears are facing in the wild and factors contributing to their decline.

From 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., the zoo's "Arctic Ambassador," Andrew Eberle, will discuss his trip to Churchill, Canada and how these captivating animals are coping with climate change.

Conrad, Tasul and Yugyan, the zoo's polar bears, will receive their treats at 10 a.m., while the sea otters, Thelma and Eddie, will receive theirs at 11:15 a.m.

"Our St. Patrick's Day party is fun for the animals and for our visitors,"

said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "However, we plan these activities to bring much needed attention to what's happening to polar bears in the wild."

According to Vecchio, the primary threat to polar bears is climate change.

The sea ice is arriving later and later in the season and melting sooner, which is putting greater stress on the bears.

"We hope we can spark an emotional connection," Vecchio said, "so people care more about the future of polar bears."

As the ice over the Arctic Ocean continues to shrink, the wild polar bears that depend on the sea ice for their survival will suffer. The World Conservation Union's Species Survival Commission has recommended that the polar bear be reclassified as a vulnerable species, and has placed it on its Red List. The Red List identifies species facing a high risk of global extinction.

Conservation groups are also urging legislators to classify polar bears as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, to further protect the bears from the consequences of global climate change and other threats.