A young grizzly bear named Fitz from the Calgary Zoo briefly left his enclosure early on a Sunday morning, according to a spokesperson from the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo who informed CBC News. Immediate emergency protocols were activated, and the zoo’s animal care and security teams, along with Calgary Police Service, swiftly responded to the situation.
The bear was safely immobilized and relocated back to its designated area without any harm to visitors, staff, volunteers, or other animals, as confirmed by communications manager Cindy Antonello. The incident occurred before the zoo opened to the public, and the Wild Canada section, where the bears reside, was temporarily closed for assessment before reopening later in the day.
Antonello mentioned that a thorough review of the incident will be conducted, following established post-incident procedures. The Calgary Police Service Staff Sgt. John Guigon reassured that there was no public danger during the incident, emphasizing that the bear was tranquilized by zoo staff after taking a stroll around the zoo.
Fitz and his brother Turner were introduced to the zoo last fall after their mother was killed in self-defense by a hunter near Diamond Valley, southwest of Calgary. The police officers were on standby during the incident, with Guigon highlighting the bear’s non-aggressive behavior during the escapade.
The zoo’s history with bears, including polar bears, was also highlighted in a related video, showcasing past challenges and the zoo’s commitment to new standards with the arrival of the latest bears.
Overall, the situation was swiftly managed with no injuries or threats to the public, and the zoo is expected to conduct a thorough review for future prevention.