Polar Bear, Toledo Zoo Live Cam

Polar bears use a rock and pool enclosure at Toledo Zoo, in the north-west corner of Ohio, in front of the camera. The feed runs through the day and covers the water as well as the dry ground.

The fur is not actually white. Each hair is hollow and colourless, scattering light over black skin underneath, which is also why bears in warm climates occasionally turn green when algae takes hold inside the shafts.

The zoo takes part in the coordinated breeding programme that manages polar bears across American collections, and cubs raised here have gone on to other zoos. The enclosure was built with a deep pool because captive bears swim far more when they are given the depth for it.