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| Kulu on the left, Nan says hello on the right. |
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| Young Kulu |
The largest of three bears at the Como Zoo in St. Paul Minnesota, young Kulu, is 5 1/2 years old and weighs 1300 pounds. As polar bear keeper Allison says, he is now a young adult, with hormones surging through his body. His companions are up there in years. Nan, at 30, is the oldest polar bear in a US zoo. Neil, at 29, is the oldest male polar bear in the world.
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| Nan on rock, Neil center, and Kulu, right |
It is like an old folks home that has had a teenager move in, as Allison says. While having a youngster around helps keep the oldsters on their toes, Kulu is learning adult bear behavior from Nan and Neil.
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| Kulu on rock, Nan below |
Kulu was born as a single cub in the Columbus Zoo to Aurora and Lee on November 28, 2019. |
| Baby Kulu in Columbus with mom Aurora |
Previously, Aurora had given birth to Nora and twins Nuniq and Neva. This is a first offspring for Lee. Aurora, daughter of Crystal and Marty, was born in the Toledo Zoo along with her twin sister Anana, who passed away several years ago. Lee is the son of another Aurora (born in Salt Lake City), and Yukon, who was born in the Cincinnati Zoo. |
| Kulu and his mom Aurora in Columbus |
When baby Kulu reached a certain age, Aunt Anana was introduced and quickly became Kulu's favorite playmate, while mother Aurora took naps or watched.  |
| Kulu in center, with mom Aurora and Aunt Anana in Columbus |
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| Kulu plays with his Auntie Anana in Columbus |
In the fall of 2021, Kulu moved to Como Zoo, where Neil and Nan were waiting. They easily took over the role of doting adoptive grandparents, and Kulu especially enjoyed playing in the pool with Neil.
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| Neil and Kulu spar in the Como pool - in 2022. |
Now that Neil is a few years older and slowing down, Kulu plays a lot more with Nan, who is half his size at 650 pounds, but she knows how to keep him in line.  |
In 2025, Kulu begs Neil to come into the pool. But it is too hard
for Neil to get in and out because of his arthritis, so he declines. |
Nan is still the boss. After all, Kulu grew up being bossed around by the ladies, his mom Aurora and his Aunt Anana.
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| Kulu and Nan |
I visited a few months ago, and the three bears enjoyed frolicking in the wildflower meadow, playing games and even engaged in a bit of chasing.  |
| Nan, Kulu and Neil in the wildflowers this summer |
Old Neil rarely goes into the water these days, but that doesn't stop Kulu from begging the old guy to join him in the pool.  |
| Kulu and Nan have a little battle in the wildflowers |
Nan doesn't mind being a swim buddy for Kulu, although there isn't a lot of playing. She does her best, though. |
| Kulu gives Nan a little "kiss" in the Como pool. |
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| Or maybe a little bite for Nan. |
Kulu's older companions are family too. While wildborn Nan is unrelated, she did live for many years in the Toledo Zoo with Kulu's grandparents Crystal and Marty. Neil is brother of the late Icee, who was father of Kulu's grandfather Yukon who was born in the Cincinnati Zoo, so Neil is Kulu's great great uncle.
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| Kulu on the left, Great Great Uncle Neil on the right. |
Winter is coming in a few months and there will be plenty of snow and cold at Como Zoo. Kulu will celebrate his 6th birthday. Nan will be 31, and Neil will be 30. Yes, things will change as Nan and Neil get older, and someday will pass on, but for now, it is a great situation for a young polar bear boy.  |
A lovely situation,
Nan, Kulu and Neil all living happily together at Como Zoo. |
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| Kulu is a busy boy, always up to something. |
