PETA Uncovers Mistaken Polar Bear Identity, Causing Trouble for Circus

April 2003

Alaska, one of the Suarez Bros. Circus’ “Suarez Seven” polar bears, was rescued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) based on research by PETA that raised questions about the bear’s identity. The USFWS used DNA testing to prove conclusively that Alaska was not, in fact, the polar bear who had been born at Zoo Atlanta as the circus claimed on her import application–a violation of federal law. The USFWS issued a $120,000 fine to the circus and sent Alaska to the Baltimore Zoo, where she could live with another polar bear, named “Magnet.”