The Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg has welcomed an orphaned polar bear cub from the Churchill, Man., area. Identified by conservation officers in northern Manitoba as needing transfer under the Polar Bear Protection Act due to the unfortunate loss of its mother, the cub is now under the care of the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre at the zoo.
Studies indicate that polar bear cubs orphaned in their first year face challenges surviving in the wild. The conservation centre, established with provincial backing, serves as a refuge for selected polar bears. The Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s polar bear rescue and care team collaborated with the province to provide essential equipment and resources for the cub’s initial care in Churchill.
Following assessments by veterinary staff, the cub was safely transported to Winnipeg late Thursday. The young bear will receive specialized care from veterinary professionals, animal care experts, and conservation scientists. It will undergo a quarantine period and remain out of public view while its health and care requirements are evaluated.
At the zoo, the cub joins six other rescued polar bears: Storm, Nanuq, York, Kaska, Willow, and Star. Each bear adjusts to the zoo environment at its own pace, with a focus on ensuring their comfort and welfare. The last polar bear cubs arrived at the zoo in 2017, and updates on the newest cub’s transition to its new home will be shared in the future.
