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Henry Vilas Zoo Bids Farewell to Grizzly Bears, Welcomes Polar Bears

10/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, plans to say goodbye to grizzly bears Ash and Lexi this month.
Ash and Lexi have lived at the zoo since 2015 and are 14.
They will be available for visits before their departure to an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facility.
The zoo plans to introduce new polar bears, including a female from Oregon Zoo, to join Berit, the 26-year-old polar bear.

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Story summary

Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, plans to say goodbye to grizzly bears Ash and Lexi this month.
Ash and Lexi have lived at the zoo since 2015 and are 14.
They will be available for visits before their departure to an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facility.
The zoo plans to introduce new polar bears, including a female from Oregon Zoo, to join Berit, the 26-year-old polar bear.