One of two male polar bear cubs, who were orphaned in Churchill, are now located at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. (ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY)
(ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY)
WINNIPEG — Two new male polar bear cubs are now on display at Assiniboine Park Zoo.
The one-year-old brothers were rescued from Churchill after becoming orphaned earlier this fall. They were in quarantine for the standard 30-day period until today, where they are now housed in the outdoor enclosure at the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre.
“We’re very pleased with how the new cubs have adapted to life here at the Zoo. They’re happy, healthy and exploring their new surroundings,” said Janice Martin, curator at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.
“They’re certainly enjoying the recent snowfall, so it’s the perfect time of year to come and visit them.”
The zoo now needs the public’s help in naming the bears. Four names have been chosen and will be narrowed down based on popular vote.
The choices are:
- York – refers to the York Factory First Nation which has traditional lands that include important polar bear denning habitats.
- Tatnam – from Cape Tatnam, a cape along the Hudson Bay coast that is a protected portion of Kaskatamagan Wildlife Management Area.
- Eli – in honour of an Elder from the York Factory First Nation that lived and hunted in the area between the Nelson and Hayes Rivers that is part of YFFN traditional territory and polar bear denning habitat.
- Aiken – refers to the river on which York Landing sits. York Landing is the settlement that the York Factory First Nation calls home.
On Tuesday, the zoo will launch the Giving Tuesday campaign in an effort to raise $10,000 in one day. Donors can vote for two of four of the names with any donation amount to the Polar Bear Rescue Team. Donations can be made online, by calling (204) 927-8080 or in person at the zoo’s pavilion or the main entrance. The two names that receive the most votes win.
The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
