SPECIMEN No.0096 ・ Zoo
Pirikaピリカ
Name romanized from Japanese; not an official English name.
Polar BearUrsus maritimusVU— Vulnerable
Pirika is a Polar Bear recorded at Asahiyama Zoo. Born December 15, 2005.
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Profile
| Name | Pirika (ピリカ) |
|---|---|
| Species | Polar Bear Ursus maritimus |
| Sex | Female |
| Born | December 15, 2005 |
| Birth Facility | Sapporoshimaruyama Doubutsuen |
| Current Facility | Asahiyama Zoo（Hokkaido） |
| Enclosure | Not disclosed |
| Status | In residence |
| Conservation Status (IUCN) | VU— Vulnerable |
Timeline
- March 2, 2011 Move Asahiyama Zoo Source
Records
Born December 15, 2005, at Sapporo Maruyama Zoo to father Denali and mother Lara. She was named 'Pirika' from the Ainu word meaning 'beautiful' or 'good.' She moved to Asahiyama Zoo on March 2, 2011.
On December 17, 2021, she gave birth at Asahiyama Zoo to three cubs sired by the male Hokuto. The Hokkaido Shimbun reported that 'the zoo achieved Japan's first successful polar bear breeding in 1974, and this is the first in 40 years, since 1981.' Two of the three cubs died after birth; the one that grew up healthy was later named 'Yume.'
In January 2025 she spent time in the maternity den as a possible pregnancy was monitored, but no birth resulted, and she returned to display on January 17. Asahiyama Zoo's official website announced, 'Pirika, who had been in the maternity den since November last year because of a possible pregnancy, did not give birth.'
Family
FAQ
- Where can I meet Pirika?
- Pirika is recorded at Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido (last verified: 2026-07-06).
- When was Pirika born?
- Pirika was born December 15, 2005.
- What does Pirika’s record tell us?
- Pirika is recorded as born on December 15, 2005. The record at Asahiyama Zoo was last verified on 2026-07-06.
Last verified: ／ Source: www.hokkaido-np.co.jp www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp