Orphaned Manitoba polar bears headed to new sanctuary in Calgary

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This article was published 27/07/2023 (832 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Like many Manitobans before them, Baffin and Siku the polar bears will soon be seeking greener (or whiter, in this case) pastures out west.

The two polar bears are currently housed at the Journey to Churchill exhibit at the Assiniboine Park Zoo and are about to be transferred to the Wilder Institute at the Calgary Zoo.

When they were less than a year old, they were rescued from the wild in Churchill by conservation officers because their mother had died and they were too young to fend for themselves.

Baffin and Siku were originally placed in the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre until they were ready to be transferred to the Journey to Churchill exhibit, where they joined seven other polar bears, all also rescues.

Now the bears are six and seven years of age, respectively.

“They are hitting social and sexual maturity and it is a time that makes sense (to transfer them),” said Chris Enright, senior director of zoological operations, animal conservation and management for the Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

Out of the seven other bears currently at Assiniboine Park Zoo, five more are male and only two are female.

Enright explained that having a lopsided sex ratio of mostly male adult polar bears could lead to tension, so the decision was made to transfer the bears to another sanctuary.

Enright noted that ultimately the decision of which sanctuary to send the polar bears was in the hands of the Manitoba government.

Jamie Dorgan, interim chief operating officer of the Wilder Institute, said that although the polar bear habitat won’t be open to the public until December, it should be habitable for the bears by mid-September, when they are expected to arrive.

The decision to move both bears was also taken because, having grown up together, the two are now a bonded pair. Transferring both will prevent them from the distress they would experience if they became separated.

“We’re very excited to have these two boys come here and be the first residents (of the polar bear habitat),” Dorgan said.

Initially and until they’ve adjusted, Baffin and Siku will be tended to by veterinary and other animal-care staff from Assiniboine Park Zoo already familiar with their needs, in addition to staff from the Wilder Institute.

Although the bears will be far from their original home of Churchill, Enright said he’s confident that they’re in good hands.

“The intention was always to be open to wherever the province felt would provide the level of care we demand for our bears,” he said.

“If (the sanctuary where they go is) promoting behaviour change and climate-change mitigation, then Manitoba bears can benefit from wherever that orphaned cub goes.”

graham.mcdonald@freepress.mb.ca