Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo welcomes two orphaned grizzly cubs
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo just welcomed two new furry residents: an orphaned pair of grizzly bear cubs.
The cubs, a slightly darker female and a lighter male, were rescued after their mother was killed in a human-wildlife encounter near Diamond Valley.
Being far too young to survive on their own, the cubs were placed into the zoo’s temporary care in September while arrangements were made to secure a temporary spot for them.
“At this age, grizzly cubs are entirely dependent on their mother for food, safety, and learning the skills necessary to survive in the wild. Unlike black bears, who can sometimes be rehabilitated and released, orphaned grizzly cubs cannot safely return to the wild,” the zoo said in a news release.
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Earlier this year, the zoo mourned the loss of two of its senior grizzly bears, Skoki and Khutzeymateen, both 35 years old.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has been fostering bears for nearly 90 years, and the addition of the new bears is bringing some healing to the community, as well as the team at the zoo.
“These cubs needed our help, but in many ways, we needed them too,” said Kim Walker, senior manager of animal care, health, and welfare, in the release. “Their arrival has brought new life and hope to our zoo family at a time when our hearts were heavy with the recent loss of Skoki and Khutzeymateen.”
The cubs, yet to be named, are adapting to their new environment, building trust with their caregivers, and eating well.
They will remain out of the public’s view until Spring 2026, giving them more time to adjust and thrive in their new home.
Will you be lining up to greet the little grizzly bear cubs when they are shown to the public by the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo early next year? Let us know in the comments.