Minnesota Zoo takes in three orphaned brown bear cubs from Alaska

Three orphaned brown bear cubs rescued in Alaska are settling into the Minnesota Zoo ahead of a planned public debut in spring 2027. The arrival adds to the zoo’s long history with rescued Alaska wildlife and gives the cubs a permanent home after their mother was never found.

Why it matters: - The Minnesota Zoo is now home to three orphaned brown bear cubs that could not survive in the wild. - The cubs will serve as ambassadors for brown bears and wildlife habitat protection once they go on view. - Their arrival extends the zoo’s rescue role for Alaska wildlife that cannot return to the wild.

What happened: - Three brown bear cubs from Alaska arrived at the Minnesota Zoo in October and are settling in behind the scenes. - The cubs are two males and one female, and each is about nine months old. - The trio was found in July near King Salmon, Alaska, after being seen without their mother for nearly a week. - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game rescued the cubs and moved them to the Alaska Zoo in August. - The Minnesota Zoo was chosen as the cubs’ permanent home. - The cubs are expected to make their public debut in spring 2027 at Russia’s Grizzly Coast.

The details: - The cubs are named Brooks, Bristol and Dillingham. - Brooks is the smallest and most outgoing of the three. - Bristol is the female cub and is described as the sassy sister. - Dillingham is the largest sibling and has a more serious demeanor. - Brooks is named for the Brooks River in Katmai National Park and Preserve. - Bristol is named for Bristol Bay. - Dillingham is named for the fishing community of Dillingham on Bristol Bay. - One cub was treated for minor injuries consistent with a bear attack. - The cubs’ mother was never located. - The injuries suggest the family may have encountered an adult male bear. - The cubs are being cared for at the Minnesota Zoo’s Animal Hospital. - The cubs are eating fruits, vegetables and fish. - The Alaska Zoo sent a pallet of salmon as a parting gift. - The cubs will remain behind the scenes through fall and winter 2026 while they grow and build relationships with caregivers. - Unlike older bears, the cubs will stay active through winter. - The cubs will alternate time in the habitat with Sadie, the zoo’s 21-year-old resident brown bear, after their debut. - Sadie will naturally enter torpor in winter but may still appear outdoors when she wants fresh air and exercise.

Between the lines: - The Minnesota Zoo’s brown bear experience and Alaska wildlife partnership likely helped it win permanent custody of the cubs. - The zoo says it has nearly two decades of experience caring for brown bears and provides expansive natural habitat. - In 2008, the zoo welcomed another trio of orphaned Alaska brown bears named Sadie, Haines and Kenai. - Those bears became the first residents of Russia’s Grizzly Coast. - The new cubs give the zoo a fresh conservation story that ties rescue, education and habitat protection together.

What's next: - The cubs will continue growing and acclimating behind the scenes through the winter. - The Minnesota Zoo will share updates on the cubs’ growth, adventures and playful behavior on social media and through its e-newsletter. - Guests can expect to see Brooks, Bristol and Dillingham in person in spring 2027. - Supporters can help fund animal care and wildlife programs through the Minnesota Zoo Foundation and mnzoo.org.

The bottom line: - Three orphaned Alaska brown bear cubs have a permanent home in Minnesota, and the zoo is positioning them to become the next public-facing ambassadors for their species.