Juno arrived at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in March 2017. (TORONTO ZOO / HANDOUT)
A polar bear who has called Assiniboine Park Zoo home for the last 18 months is on her way back to Toronto.
Juno arrived at the zoo in March 2017 on a temporary basis. She’s been living in the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre ever since.
“Having the opportunity to interact with and learn from other young bears here at Assiniboine Park Zoo has been an invaluable learning and developmental opportunity for Juno,” said Grant Furniss, senior director, animal care and conservation at Assiniboine Park Zoo.
“While we are sad to see Juno go, we are so pleased with the progress she has made over the past 18 months and we know that Toronto Zoo guests, volunteers and staff are looking forward to her return.”
The three-year-old bear was born at the Toronto Zoo on November 11, 2015.
Officials expect Monday, October 1 to be Juno’s last day where visitors will get to see her. In honour of her upcoming departure, polar bear-themed programming is planned this Saturday and Sunday at the zoo beginning at 2 p.m. Volunteers will also be handing out Journey to Churchill polar bear pins to visitors both days.
The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
