After a mother grizzly bear was killed in a human-wildlife encounter near Diamond Valley earlier this year, questions were raised as to what would become of her two cubs.
Both born this year and far to young to survive, they were brought to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s for temporary care in September.
But after the passing of two of the zoo’s senior grizzly bears, the cubs will now have a permanent home in Calgary.
“These cubs needed our help — but in many ways, we needed them too,” said Kim Walker, Senior Manager for Animal Care, Health and Welfare, in a prepared news 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.”
Both of those bears were euthanized at 35, after the decision was made to ensure that their lives would not become ones of unnecessary suffering as they aged.
The decision to take in the new cubs was likewise a decision to ensure that the cubs would not live short lives of unnecessary suffering.
“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. Human contact, even with the best intentions, can cause them to lose their natural fear of people—putting both bears and communities at risk,” said the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo on the decision.
“Following provincial policy, scientific evidence, and animal welfare best practices, orphaned grizzly cubs are almost always placed in long-term care facilities or accredited zoos rather than being released. Thanks to the swift action and strong partnership with Alberta Fish and Wildlife, these cubs have been given a second chance.”
The zoo said that that the cubs have been settling into their new environment, eating well, and are slowly becoming more trusting of the zoo’s animal welfare team and animal caretakers.
The bears will not be available to view by the public until spring of 2026, and as of yet, have also not been named.
