Polar Bear Drowns at the Calgary Zoo After Rough Play

A polar bear has died after engaging in "rough play” with another polar bear at a Canadian zoo.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced in a news release on Tuesday, July 23, that one if its 7-year-old male polar bears named “Baffin” died by drowning after sustaining a “crushing injury” to his trachea — or windpipe — by 8-year-old male polar bear “Siku” as they were playing.

The zoo noted that it was “presumed” that Baffin “lost consciousness underwater due to the tracheal injury and subsequently drowned.” 

“Although the necropsy results are conclusive about the cause of Baffin’s death, they offer little solace to our team that loved Baffin so deeply,” Colleen Baird, Director of Animal Care, Health & Welfare at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, said in a statement. 

The necropsy had also found that prior to Baffin’s death, the polar bear was in “excellent physical condition” and did not show signs of “heat-related stress” or hypothermia. 

The zoo noted that Baffin and Siku had a long history together as “habitat mates” and “enjoyed a companionate relationship” before being brought to the Calgary Zoo from the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg. Baird said that it was customary for the two polar bears to play together leading up to the incident.

“They displayed many natural polar bear behaviors, including playing daily in and out of the water,” Baird said. “The type and intensity of play on the day of the incident appeared to be no different than the type of play their caregivers witnessed from them on a daily basis.”

Calgary Zoo said that Siku is continuing to be monitored by the zoo’s Animal Care, Health & Welfare team in the aftermath of Baffin’s death. 

The zoo initially announced the polar bear’s death on Friday, July 19 on social media, writing, “We are truly heartbroken to share the devastating news of the sudden passing of Baffin.” They shared at the time that Baffin and Siku had been “sparring” in the pool when Baffin went underwater and “did not resurface.” 

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“Although Baffin was with us for a short time, his passing will leave a hole in hearts across the zoo and our community," the zoo shared in a message alongside a photo of the bear, adding that he will be "remembered" for his "endearing ‘teddy-bear’ face, his playful and curious nature, and his fondness for interacting with visitors during pool time.”

“His presence brought immense joy to our lives and he will be deeply missed by all," the zoo shared before concluding its message asking for zoo visitors to “please keep our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team in your thoughts as they navigate this challenging time" and "grieve the loss of such an incredibly special bear.”

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