The Calgary Zoo, operated by The Wilder Institute, is currently looking into the situation where 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 ongoing to identify any necessary improvements to the habitat and precautionary measures.
Colleen Baird, the zoo’s director, stated that the team noticed the one-year-old grizzly bear cub named Fitz outside of his designated area during the regular morning checks before the zoo opened to the public. Following the sighting, emergency protocols were promptly activated, and the bear was safely tranquilized with no harm done.
Baird reassured the public that there was no danger as the incident occurred before opening hours, and Fitz remained close to his enclosure. The affected section of the zoo, known as Wild Canada, was temporarily closed but later reopened after assessment.
Authorities from the Calgary Police Department responded to the incident, although no direct intervention was required. Staff Sergeant John Guigon expressed that while concerns were present due to the nature of a grizzly bear, Fitz seemed more interested in exploration than posing a threat.
The exact timing of Fitz’s escape remains uncertain, but zoo officials are confident that he did not wander overnight based on the lack of disturbance and no indications of extended movement captured by security cameras. It is believed that Fitz managed to climb over the enclosure barriers, which are around eight to ten feet tall and equipped with internal hot wire, allowing him to access an area outside his habitat.
The zoo’s stringent containment measures, including multiple layers of security, were highlighted by Baird, emphasizing the challenges Fitz faced in escaping. Additionally, the entire zoo is enclosed by a high barbed wire fence as an added safety measure to prevent animal escapes.
Fitz and his sibling Turner are temporarily housed in a secure area within the zoo while further evaluations and habitat improvements are being considered. The two grizzly bears were brought to the zoo as cubs last year after their mother’s unfortunate demise near Diamond Valley.