Party for Polar Bears!

Party for Polar Bears! is an annual event celebrating International Polar Bear Day on or around February 27th. This event is supported by the passionate members of the Point Defiance Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. We raise funds for conservation efforts around the world. As we celebrate International Polar Bear Day and raise funds for Polar Bears International, we also raise awareness about habitat loss: the biggest challenge polar bears currently face. Polar bears rely on sea ice as their platform for hunting seals--their main food source. With the rapid effects of climate change, sea ice is melting at an astonishing rate. Sea ice loss not only impacts polar bear populations around the Arctic, but also humans and every living thing on earth. You can make a difference and help combat climate change to protect polar bears so they can be enjoyed by many generations to come.

Party for Polar Bears! was founded in 2015 by Cindy Roberts. Cindy is a retired polar bear keeper who was chosen to attend the 2015 Climate Alliance with Polar Bears International. There, Cindy had the experience of a lifetime traveling to Churchill, Manitoba: the polar bear capital of the world. Cindy was so inspired by her experience in Churchill that she personally vowed to continue to find ways to support the great work of Polar Bears International. Cindy’s passion led to a partnership with the Point Defiance Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) and the inaugural Party for Polar Bears! annual event. Since then, the annual event has collectively raised over $39,000.00 for polar bear conservation.

This year’s 8th annual Party for Polar Bears! event will again include our online auction. In addition, on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 5:00-9:00PM will we have an in-person event at 7 Seas Brewery and Taproom at 2101 Jefferson Avenue in Tacoma WA. A portion of all pint sales will benefit our fundraiser for Polar Bears International. Please join us for this popular event!

You can learn more at the Party for Polar Bears! website:
www.partyforpolarbears.net

The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is a non-profit 501(c)3 association. The mission of AAZK is to advance excellence in the animal care profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal care, support deserving conservation projects, and promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life.

The Point Defiance Chapter of AAZK is a volunteer organization comprised of employees, interns, volunteers, and supporters of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, an AZA- accredited facility located in the heart of Point Defiance Park in the vibrant city of Tacoma, Washington.

Funds raised by our organization are used for deserving conservation projects, both locally and globally, and for the professional development of our members.

We are:

Working together for conservation...

Everything else is irrELEPHANT!