Bärle Isolated from Other Bears at ARL

"Bärle," the only female among six polar bears seized last November in Puerto Rico from the Suarez Brothers Circus by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, remains in quarantine at the Zoo's Arctic Ring of Life exhibit due to a fungal skin condition contracted during her years in the Caribbean's tropical climate. The Zoo's veterinary staff confirmed the diagnosis after receiving the results of tests conducted on Bärle during her physical examination on December 11.

Because Bärle's condition could be contagious, she is being housed away from the other polar bears in the Arctic Ring of Life in another section of the exhibit. The Detroit Zoo's veterinary staff is treating her with an oral medication. Once Bärle is deemed "cured" of the condition-and physically and psychologically fit for an introduction-she will be introduced to the other polar bears in the exhibit.

Until then, the Zoo's veterinary, curatorial, and zookeeping staff will continue to monitor Bärle's progress, and work with her in preparation for the big day when she finally meets her