About PFPB!

How It All Started

"Party for Polar Bears!" was founded in 2015 and we have raised over $53,000.00 in the last nine years with all proceeds going to polar bear conservation.

PFPB! was founded, by now retired polar bear keeper, Cindy Roberts, after she was chosen to attend the 2015 Climate Alliance with Polar Bears International.  She had the experience of a lifetime traveling to Churchill, Manitoba, the Polar Bear Capital of the World. Cindy observed wild polar bears and learned how to educate zoo visitors and communities on what action they can take to protect polar bears and their habitats.

She was so inspired by the expedition, and concerned about the the future of polar bears, that she wanted to contribute to the great work Polar Bears International does. Cindy took her passion for polar bears and partnered with the Point Defiance Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers and, Drinking for Conservation, to  organize the  annual event called “Party for Polar Bears!” This event takes place around International Polar Bear Day on February 27th of each year.

 Cindy returned to Churchill, Manitoba as a Field Ambassador with Polar Bears International in 2019 and 2022. In October of 2022, Cindy was awarded the Nico van Strien Leadership In Conservation award for her efforts with the annual fundraiser and polar bear conservation.