One of the young grizzly bears at the Calgary Zoo ventured out of its designated area, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo to CBC News. The incident involving one-year-old bear Fitz occurred around 7:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Immediate emergency protocols were activated, with the zoo’s animal care and security teams swiftly responding, alongside assistance from the Calgary Police Service.
Following the incident, Fitz was safely immobilized and relocated by the animal care team to a secure area behind the scenes. Fortunately, there were no injuries sustained by visitors, staff, volunteers, or animals during the incident. The public was not at risk as the incident occurred before the zoo opened. However, the Wild Canada area, where the bears are housed, was temporarily closed for a thorough assessment before reopening later in the day.
The zoo’s post-incident procedures will include a review of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further details are not yet available for sharing, according to the zoo’s communications manager. Staff Sgt. John Guigon of the Calgary Police Service assured that there was no danger to the public during the incident. The bear wandered around the zoo before calmly sitting down and being tranquilized by zoo personnel.
Fitz and his sibling Turner arrived at the zoo last autumn after their mother was tragically killed by a hunter near Diamond Valley, southwest of Calgary. The police officers present at the scene remained on standby as the zoo managed the situation, with Guigon noting that the bear seemed more curious than aggressive during the escapade.
