Famous polar bear cub Nora heading to new home in Portland

PORTLAND — A polar bear cub made famous in Ohio will soon move to the Oregon Zoo.

Nora’s final public day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where she was raised, is Monday. Oregon Zoo visitors will be able to see her as soon as next month, according to a statement issued by the zoo.

Nora was born in November and gained attention after she was abandoned by her mother. Zoo employees took over her care and documented her growth. “Nora weighed about 1 pound when the care team began raising her; she now weighs more than 150,” the Oregon Zoo said.

Nora’s departure from the Columbus Zoo is timed to encourage breeding. Prospective mothers need a calm environment.

When she arrives in Oregon, Nora will join Tasul, an older female polar bear whose brother was euthanized in July.

Staff from the Oregon Zoo traveled to Columbus to help with Nora’s transition, and some caretakers from Columbus will accompany her to Portland.

Officials haven’t yet set an exact date for Nora’s debut in Oregon.