Orphaned Alaskan polar bear cub bound for New York zoo

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Kali, an orphan polar bear cub, explores his temporary home at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage. March 22, 2013

Kali, an orphaned polar bear cub rescued in March on Alaska's North Slope, has been recuperating the last six or so weeks in the big city, at the Anchorage Zoo. Now, the cub is readying for a plane ride across the continent to New York, where he'll find a permanent home at the Buffalo Zoo.

Pat Lampi, the Alaska Zoo's executive director, recently told Anchorage NBC affiliate KTUU-TV that Kali's move to New York had been delayed a bit by government permitting and preclearance, but that the polar bear cub should be on his way by mid May.

With his fluffy white fur and tiny paws, Kali quickly became a media darling in Alaska's largest city, gingerly walking out of his zoo enclosure, patting at the dirt and chomping at the snow pack. Until his departure, Kali can be seen daily at the zoo during regular visiting hours. See the Alaska Zoo website for more information.

Read more: Zoo makes playtime for polar bear cub Kali