Detroit Zoo Welcomes Haley, A 22-Year-Old Polar Bear

ROYAL OAK, MI — Haley, a 22-year-old polar bear who was named after Halley's Comet, joined the Detroit Zoo on Wednesday, according to zoo officials.

Haley comes from the Memphis Zoo where she had lived since she was 4-years-old. Officials recommended her move to help ensure a healthy, genetically diverse population of polar bears in human care.

Haley joins Nuka, a 20-year-old male and Suka, a 12-year-old female at the zoo, which is one of North America's largest polar bear habitats, according to zoo officials.

The Arctic Ring of Life spans 4 acres and features a 70-foot-long glass tunnel, an exploration station and an ice cave, which is perfect for Haley to explore and make her new home, zoo officials said.

As Haley settles into her new space, zoo officials said she prefers to stay behind the scenes, but visitors can still catch a glimpse of her during zoo hours.

"Haley is such a special and inquisitive bear," said Mike Murray, vice president of life sciences for the Detroit Zoological Society. "We know Haley will be a terrific ambassador for her species, which faces threats from melting sea ice, climate change and pollution in the wild. We can’t wait for our guests to meet her."

Starting April 1, the zoo will extend its hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.