RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Nikita and Anana are getting the full ceremonial treatment Thursday when an official welcoming ceremony for Nikita is attended by Gov. Pat McCrory and Cultural Resources Secretary Susan Kluttz.

Nikita joins Anana at the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan Program.

Anana has called North Carolina home since September 2014. Nikita comes to the zoo from Kansas City. It is the hope of zoo officials that the two will produce a cub.

Polar bears are scarce in U.S. zoos.

The governor and secretary will be on hand at 9:30 in Asheboro.