The recent death of a polar bear at the Calgary Zoo has led to the closure of the Wild Canada exhibit, sparking concern and debate among animal rights activists and zoo visitors alike. The 23-year-old female polar bear, named Misty, was found dead in her enclosure by zoo staff on Monday morning.
The exact cause of her death is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that she may have died from natural causes.The loss of Misty has had a profound impact on both zoo staff and visitors, as she was a beloved member of the Calgary Zoo community for over two decades.
Her presence in the Wild Canada exhibit served as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of Arctic wildlife, and her passing has left a void that will be difficult to fill.In response to Misty's death, the Calgary Zoo has made the decision to temporarily close the Wild Canada exhibit in order to conduct a thorough review of its animal care practices and facilities.
Siku was shifted out of the enclosure and the zoo’s animal care team went in to assess Baffin. Staff determined Baffin was dead in the pool.
The bear was removed from the pool and sent off for a necropsy, to learn what caused his death.
The two bears arrived at the Calgary Zoo in October 2023. Baffin was seven years old.
“It’s obviously a huge shock today for our staff and volunteers to learn of this incredibly surprising situation,” Jamie Dorgan, interim chief executive officer and chief operating officer, said during a press conference Friday.
“Baffin wasn’t seen for a few minutes … soon after that we were able to move Baffin off from the pool,” said Dorgan, adding it’s unsure how long the bear was in medical distress underwater.
“Baffin was deceased in the pool … It’s obviously a huge shock today for our staff and volunteers to learn of this incredibly surprising situation.”
Dorgan said it’s not yet known what might have gone wrong and an investigation is ongoing.
A volunteer then alerted the animal care team after noticing Baffin did not re-emerge, but Dorgan says it is unknown how long the bear was underwater.
"We removed him pretty quickly … outwardly there's nothing obvious," he said.
"We don't know why the bear died."
He says the veterinary team responsible for the necropsy will be looking at all possible explanations.
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