It’s less than 30 degrees Fahrenheit out and light flurries flutter from the sky. They dance in the brisk wind that’s chilling my body. Jeans weren’t a good idea, but when are they ever in winter? The sun is hidden behind a blanket of gray clouds, leaving the city dim for the twelve in the afternoon time. We’re in Chicago, the Windy city, which even though the nickname derives from other meanings, is literally living up to its name today, and despite all this gloom, my family* and I are spending the day outdoors.

(*Sans mom – as if she’d leave the comfort of warmth and coffee to be a walking icicle.)

More specifically, we’re spending the day at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Located off Lake Shore Drive, north of Chicago, the zoo is free and open 365 days a year. Most people might wonder ‘who goes to the zoo in the middle of winter,’ but you’d be surprised by the amount of people hustling about. Plus the zoo has more than just animals in the winter – it has amazing animal-shaped ice sculptures, larger-than-life holiday decorations, and pretty lights (Zoo Lights) that twinkle at night.

Unfortunately, while humans are appeased by ice sculptures, decorations, and pretty lights, animals are not. With the weather, they’re thinking hey, if you want to freeze your butt off, I’ll take your place at home. Pour me a nice cup of coffee by the fire and we’re in business. Which is why most have exited their exhibits stage left to their indoor portion and curled for a nap.

Except one animal. One whom keeps me coming back to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo every time I am in Chicago. That animal is Anana the polar bear…. The most photogenic polar bear (or zoo animal) I’ve ever come across.

No matter the weather, Anana is always ready to strike a pose.

Just look at direct eye contact Anana makes.

While polar bears are known for their solitary nature, Anana sure loves the limelight. Who could blame her? She’s adorable and she knows it, and she’s active, so you’ll want to visit her year-round. After all, it’s free… Plus it’s near downtown Chicago and the Navy Pier – you can make an entire day, weekend, week, month of a visit.

However, I’d recommend more than a day. There’s so much to do and see at the Lincoln Park Zoo alone, you’ll need the time.

Visit now, or visit in the winter, but no matter when, Anana will not disappoint.

Brianna Krueger is the Chief Editor for Wandering Educators

Photos courtesy and copyright Brianna Krueger