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Complete coverage: The remarkable journey of Nora, Madison's newest polar bear
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Wisconsin State Senate rejects bipartisan deal on school funding, tax rebates

Complete coverage: The remarkable journey of Nora, Madison's newest polar bear

  • BARRY ADAMS Wisconsin State Journal
  • May 6, 2026
  • May 6, 2026 Updated May 9, 2026
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Nora was abandoned by her mother at 5 days old, and against all odds survived. Now she is at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, where zookeepers hope she'll become a mom herself.

(12) updates to this series since Updated May 9, 2026

Photos: Polar bear Nora as a cub to now

Photos: Polar bear Nora as a cub to now

Vilas Zoo's newest polar bear, Nora, from a cub at Columbus Zoo to now. 

Nora is doing her part to help scientists research polar bears

Nora is doing her part to help scientists research polar bears

Nora has helped with research projects that could help protect polar bears in the wild.

This alliance is trying to grow the polar bear population, so it brought Nora to Madison

This alliance is trying to grow the polar bear population, so it brought Nora to Madison

An alliance of zoos is working to make sure the polar bear population grows.

Giraffe exhibit and new nonprofit up next for Vilas Zoo

Giraffe exhibit and new nonprofit up next for Vilas Zoo

Construction could begin next year on Edge of Africa: Giraffe, a sprawling indoor and outdoor facility for up to four giraffes and African ground birds.

Here’s what it’s like to feed a polar bear at Vilas Zoo in Madison

Here’s what it’s like to feed a polar bear at Vilas Zoo in Madison

The emotion of the moment caught me a bit off guard.

Photos: Vilas Zoo throughout the years

Photos: Vilas Zoo throughout the years

A look at Henry Vilas Zoo throughout the years. 

Photos: Arctic Passage at Henry Vilas Zoo

A look at the Arctic Passage Exhibit at Henry Vilas Zoo. 

Madison's newest polar bear has defied all odds. Can she do it again and become a mom?

Madison's newest polar bear has defied all odds. Can she do it again and become a mom?

Columbus, Ohio zookeepers hand-raised Nora after the polar bear's mom abandoned her. Now she's at the Madison zoo, and there are high hopes for her.

A timeline of the Henry Vilas Zoo

The zoo opened in 1911.

Nora's polar bear dreams

Nora's polar bear dreams

Nora in her sleep as a baby. Video by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Hand-feeding Nora shortly after was abandoned by her mother

Hand-feeding Nora shortly after was abandoned by her mother

Take a tour of Vilas Zoo's Arctic Passage

Take a tour of Vilas Zoo's Arctic Passage

A timeline of the Henry Vilas Zoo

The zoo opened in 1911.

Nora the polar bear goes fishing

Nora the polar bear goes fishing

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium captured video of Nora as she learned to fish.

Take a tour of Vilas Zoo's Arctic Passage

Take a tour of Vilas Zoo's Arctic Passage

Locations

  • Madison

As featured on

Complete coverage: The remarkable life of Madison's newest polar bear

Complete coverage: The remarkable life of Madison's newest polar bear

See how Nora, a 10-year-old polar bear living at the Henry Vilas Zoo, defied all odds.

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