Snowflake, a female polar bear at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, turned 30 years old on November 28, 2025. She is among the oldest polar bears in human care in the United States. Snowflake was born at the Buffalo Zoo in 1995 and moved to Pittsburgh in 2017 as part of a Species Survival Plan. She lives in the Water’s Edge habitat and is popular with visitors.
To celebrate her birthday, the care team made an ice cake with her favorite foods, such as meat and watermelon. The cake was decorated with a number 30 and ice candles. Snowflake’s age is notable, as the median life expectancy for male polar bears is 20.8 years. There is less data available for female polar bears.
The zoo staff focus on Snowflake’s welfare by offering daily enrichment and access to different indoor spaces. This helps keep her comfortable as she gets older. Snowflake is currently being treated for cardiac issues, arthritis, and a chronic skin condition. The zoo provides updates on her health on its website…