WINNIPEG – The Assiniboine Park Zoo is sad to announce the upcoming departure of Juno the polar bear. Juno will be heading back to the Toronto Zoo, where she was born, in early October.
Monday, October 1 is expected to be the last day visitors will be able to see Juno in her current home at the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre.
Born at the Toronto Zoo on November 11, 2015, Juno was the only surviving cub in a litter of two and was cared for by Toronto Zoo Wildlife Health Centre and the Wildlife Care staff during the early stages of her life. She was relocated on a temporary basis to Assiniboine Park Zoo in March 2017, giving her the opportunity to socialize and engage with other polar bear cubs close to her age as she matured. She is now almost three years old.
“Having the opportunity to interact with and learn from other young bears here at Assiniboine Park Zoo has been an invaluable learning and developmental opportunity for Juno,” said Grant Furniss, Senior Director, Animal Care and Conservation at Assiniboine Park Zoo. “While we are sad to see Juno go, we are so pleased with the progress she has made over the past 18 months and we know that Toronto Zoo guests, volunteers and staff are looking forward to her return.”
This weekend, the Zoo is inviting visitors for some extra polar bear themed activities as the Zoo says farewell to Juno.
The following activities will take place on both Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23.
Special Enrichment Presentations | Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm
Stop by the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre and watch Juno enjoy some special enrichment treats prepared with tender loving care by the animal care team.
Colouring Station | Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
The multi-purpose room at the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre is where kids can share how they will commit to #saveourseaice on the Winston colouring sheet. Take your artwork home or send it to Churchill with one of our zookeepers! Zookeeper Jackie will be in Churchill in early October with Polar Bears International learning more about how we can educate our visitors about polar bears and climate change. She will share your art and climate change commitments on social media.
Polar Bear Collector Pins
Volunteers will also be handing out Journey to Churchill polar bear pins to visitors both days.
The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information, please visit assiniboineparkzoo.ca.