A young grizzly bear named Fitz from the Calgary Zoo ventured outside his habitat early one Sunday morning, according to a spokesperson from the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo. The incident prompted immediate activation of emergency response procedures, with the zoo’s animal care and security teams and the Calgary Police Service swiftly intervening.
Communications manager Cindy Antonello confirmed that Fitz was safely immobilized and relocated back to his designated area without any harm to visitors, staff, volunteers, or other animals. The incident occurred before the zoo opened to the public, leading to a temporary closure of the Wild Canada section where the bears reside. After a thorough assessment, the area was reopened later in the day.
Antonello mentioned that a post-incident review would be conducted to understand the circumstances further. The Calgary Police Service Staff Sgt. John Guigon assured that there was no public threat during the incident, emphasizing that the bear peacefully roamed before being tranquilized by the zoo staff.
Fitz and his sibling Turner were rescued as cubs and brought to the zoo after their mother’s tragic death near Diamond Valley. The bears have been part of the Wild Canada exhibit at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo since their arrival.
Overall, the situation was handled efficiently, ensuring the safety of all involved parties and the bears themselves. The zoo continues to uphold its commitment to animal care and security following the incident.