The Calgary Zoo, operated by the Wilder Institute, is currently looking into how a grizzly bear managed to escape from its enclosure on Sunday morning. The zoo’s director of animal care, health, and welfare mentioned during a media briefing on Monday that an investigation is in progress to identify necessary improvements to the habitat and preventive measures.
Staff at the zoo noticed that Fitz, a one-year-old rescued grizzly bear cub, was found outside his designated area during routine early morning checks before the zoo opened to the public. Colleen Baird, the director of animal care, health, and welfare, stated, “Our teams are conducting a comprehensive examination of the circumstances surrounding Fitz’s brief departure from his habitat.”
The bear was promptly tranquilized and is reported to be in good health. Baird assured that there was no threat to public safety as the incident occurred before the zoo was open, and the bear stayed near his enclosure.
The Wild Canada section where the bears are kept was temporarily closed but later reopened. Authorities from the Calgary Police mentioned that they responded to the situation, but no intervention was necessary.
It is uncertain when Fitz escaped or how long he was out of his enclosure. Baird mentioned that there was no evidence to suggest Fitz wandered around the zoo overnight based on the lack of destruction or footprints and the absence of his movements on security cameras.
It is believed that Fitz managed to escape by climbing over the enclosure’s containment barriers, which are eight to 10 feet high and equipped with hot wire. Baird explained that the zoo has multiple layers of security measures for containing animals, including dangerous ones like grizzly bears.
Both Fitz and his brother Turner have been temporarily relocated to a secure area within the zoo while further assessments are carried out. The bears were brought to the zoo as cubs last year after their mother was killed near Calgary.
The zoo is now evaluating additional measures to enhance the habitat based on the ongoing review.