Minnesota’s zoos have some adorable new faces to introduce this fall, with three rescued brown bear cubs and two nyala calves arriving in October 2026. The Minnesota Zoo welcomed orphaned siblings from Alaska, while Como Park Zoo celebrated two births within its nyala herd. From the cubs’ emerging personalities to the newborn antelopes’ family connections, these five arrivals have plenty of stories behind them. Here’s what to know about the newest additions.
Minnesota Zoo Welcomes Three Orphaned Brown Bear Cubs From Alaska
Three young brown bears have found a new home in Minnesota after losing their mother in the wild. The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley welcomed the siblings earlier in October 2026 after they were rescued near King Salmon, Alaska, in July. The cubs had been seen without their mother for nearly a week, and wildlife officials determined they could not survive independently. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game rescued them and transferred them to the Alaska Zoo in August before arrangements were made for their permanent home in Minnesota. Although their mother was never found, one cub received treatment for minor injuries consistent with a bear attack. The Minnesota Zoo was selected because of its extensive experience caring for brown bears and its established habitat at Russia’s Grizzly Coast. For now, the cubs are settling in at the zoo’s Animal Hospital, where caregivers can monitor their health and help them adjust to their new surroundings. They are expected to make their public debut in spring 2027.
Meet Brooks, Dillingham, and Bristol, the Three New Bear Cubs
Each of Minnesota Zoo’s newest arrivals has a name inspired by the Alaskan region where the siblings were discovered, giving their rescue story a lasting connection to their birthplace. Brooks and Dillingham are males, while Bristol is their sister, and all three are approximately nine months old. Their personalities are already beginning to emerge as they settle into their new surroundings. Brooks is the smallest of the trio and is known for being curious and outgoing, often eager to investigate unfamiliar things. Bristol has earned a reputation as the spirited sister who enjoys chasing her brothers. Dillingham is the largest cub and tends to be more serious, keeping a watchful eye on his siblings. Their names reflect important places in southern Alaska: Brooks honors Brooks River in Katmai National Park and Preserve, Bristol takes her name from Bristol Bay, and Dillingham is named after a fishing community in the same region. Visitors will need to wait until spring 2027 to see them in person. Once introduced to Russia’s Grizzly Coast, the cubs are expected to alternate time in the habitat with Sadie, the zoo’s 21-year-old resident brown bear.
Como Park Zoo Celebrates Two New Nyala Calves Born in October
October has brought a double dose of excitement to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul, where two nyala calves arrived just weeks apart. The first, a male named Hubert, was born on October 3 to four-year-old mother Stevie. The second, a female, was born on October 23 to two-year-old Meadow, who became a mother for the first time. Both calves are doing well, although they are following slightly different routines while they adjust to life at the zoo. Hubert and his mother have access to their indoor public habitat, giving visitors a chance to catch a glimpse of the youngster. Meadow and her daughter are spending more time behind the scenes so they can bond without unnecessary disruption. Nyala are spiral-horned antelope native to southern Africa, where they inhabit woodland and dense thicket environments. Their young are especially recognizable for their large ears and striped coats. The two births also have a family connection within Como’s herd: Stevie is not only Hubert’s mother but also the grandmother of Meadow’s new calf.
Hubert Has a Name, but Como’s New Female Nyala Calf Is Still Waiting
One of Como Park Zoo’s newest residents already has a name with a personal story behind it, while his younger companion is still waiting for hers. Hubert was named through a public vote at Como Friends’ Como After Hours event on October 22. Guests chose from three names submitted in honor of zookeepers’ grandfathers, with Hubert receiving 41.5% of the vote, ahead of LeRoy and Gary. Born to Stevie on October 3, Hubert weighed 13.6 pounds at birth. His father, Ollie, is seven years old and arrived at Como in December 2025 as part of a cooperative breeding recommendation. The female calf, born to first-time mother Meadow on October 23, weighed 9.3 pounds at birth. She has not yet been named, but the zoo has planned a special opportunity for its volunteers to choose her name during the Volunteer Recognition event on November 5. Until then, she and Meadow will remain behind the scenes while they bond. The zoo plans to share updates about the calf’s name and eventual public debut through its official website and social media channels.
