Local

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Zoo unveils Hudson the polar bear

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 02/11/2013 11:58 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 02/14/2013 1:27 PM | Updates

Hudson the polar bear playing in the snow at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. (DAN HARPER / ASSINIBOINE PARK ZOO)

It didn’t take long for the newest star of the Assiniboine Park Zoo to start basking in the spotlight.

Within moments of hearing the cheers and applause as he was unveiled to Winnipeggers for the first time, Hudson, the 16-month polar bear who recently arrived from Toronto, was getting up close and (almost) personal with his new fans.

Hudson wasted no time in playfully running back and forth along the inner fence separating him from about 100 watchers, occasionally batting around a plastic orange ball.

Zoo officials also showcased some of the trained behaviours Hudson has learned over the past two-and-a-half weeks, such as coming when called and lying down, and then rewarded him with meat treats.

Hudson arrived two weeks ago via cargo jet and is adapting well to his new surroundings, according to zoo officials.

"He’s very relaxed in his new home and he certainly loves the snow and winter weather," said Tim Sinclair-Smith, director of zoological operations at the zoo.

Hudson brings the zoo’s polar bear population back to one. He’s the first of his breed to live at the zoo since Debby died a couple of years ago.

The outdoor enclosure at the IPBCC has been renovated and expanded to specifically accommodate polar bears and is three times its original size.

History

Updated on Monday, February 11, 2013 at 1:17 PM CST: Adds new photo of Hudson in Winnipeg.

February 14, 2013 at 1:27 PM: Updates story.

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Local

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.