Zoo adds 10th polar bear to population

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This article was published 30/05/2022 (1512 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Assiniboine Park Zoo has welcomed its newest polar bear.

Agee (pronounced egg-y), a 26-year-old female, arrived May 27, and will soon roam the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre.

The bear spent most of its life in British Columbia with owners who worked in the entertainment industry. As they can no longer care for it, they approached the Winnipeg zoo to be its new caretaker.

“As leaders in polar bear rescue, transition and care, the Assiniboine Park Zoo is very well-equipped to provide Agee with a new home and high quality of life,” said Grant Furniss, senior director, zoological operations.

“We have a team of experts who will tend to her needs. She will receive the same attention and high standard of care as the other polar bears.”

Members of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s polar bear rescue and care team travelled to B.C. last week to complete a health assessment and supervise the transfer to Winnipeg.

Agee will be the 10th polar bear at the zoo, and the second to reside in the Leatherdale conservation centre; the other eight live in the Journey to Churchill exhibit.

“Agee has spent her entire life in human care and has not had contact with other polar bears. For that reason, it is unlikely she will be introduced to other bears at the zoo,” said Furniss. “Her health and welfare are our highest priorities.”

Agee will undergo a standard 30-day quarantine period, where the bear will have access to indoor and outdoor activities and be monitored by the zoo’s animal care team.

The zoo has not yet listed a date for when Agee will be visible to visitors, but said the adult bear is settling in nicely.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca