WINNIPEG, MB. – A pair of orphaned polar bear cubs have arrived at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. The two cubs, one male and one female, are unrelated and were identified by Manitoba Sustainable Development in separate circumstances as being candidates for transfer to the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre.

Members of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s Polar Bear Rescue Team, Sr. Director of Animal Management & Conservation, Grant Furniss, and Head of Veterinary Services, Dr. Chris Enright traveled to Churchill to supervise the cubs’ care and transfer to Winnipeg. The cubs arrived late yesterday evening.

At the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, the cubs will undergo a standard 30 day quarantine period and are not visible to Zoo visitors or media at this time. A separate announcement will be made when the cubs are ready to be introduced to the public.

With the addition of these new cubs, the Zoo is now home to 11 polar bears. Seven of the polar bears currently reside in the Journey to Churchill exhibit. The other four, including the new cubs, reside in the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre. The Zoo’s Journey to Churchill exhibit showcases the animals, landscapes and culture of Manitoba’s north while educating visitors about the impacts of climate change and inspiring them to take personal action.

Assiniboine Park Conservancy

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