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This week, the Calgary Zoo welcomed two male grizzly bear cubs, Turner and Fitz, into the spotlight as they made their much-anticipated public debut. The siblings, orphaned last autumn near Diamond Valley—approximately 70 kilometres south of Calgary—were unable to fend for themselves after their mother was tragically killed in what the zoo described as “a human-wildlife encounter.” Their arrival at the zoo marks a new chapter not only for the bears but also for wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
A New Home for Orphaned Cubs
Turner and Fitz were brought to the Calgary Zoo last fall, where they have since been receiving expert care. Jax Hogard, the animal care supervisor at the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo, expressed the institution’s long-standing commitment to grizzly bear welfare. “We have been caring for grizzlies at the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo since 1938,” Hogard noted. “They needed a quick home while we figured out their future, and fortunately, we had the capacity to provide them a permanent residence.”
Despite being brothers, the cubs exhibit distinct physical traits. Turner, the larger of the two, boasts a darker coat weighing in at around 116 kilograms (256 pounds). In contrast, Fitz sports a lighter, silver-tinged coat and weighs approximately 110 kilograms (243 pounds). Both bears consume about five kilograms (11 pounds) of food daily, which Hogard indicates is perfectly aligned with their developmental needs.
“They’re remarkably healthy and their coats are just stunning,” Hogard added. “They’ve shed their winter coats and are now flaunting their beautiful spring fur, complete with those characteristic grizzled highlights.”
Exploring Their Outdoor Habitat
After a winter spent acclimatising behind the scenes, the bear cubs have finally been granted access to their outdoor habitat. Hogard explained the careful considerations taken to ensure the cubs felt comfortable and secure in their new environment. “We allowed them to engage in typical ‘baby bear’ activities throughout the winter,” he said. “They had the option to hibernate, but they chose to remain active. Our goal was to foster their confidence in this new home.”
Significant modifications were made to their habitat to encourage natural behaviours such as digging, climbing, and playing. The staff rearranged rocks, logs, and other natural features to create a stimulating environment that meets the needs of growing cubs.
The Future for Turner and Fitz
At present, the cubs are residing in one of the zoo’s smaller habitats, although plans are in place to transition them to a larger space as they mature. Hogard emphasised the importance of gradual exposure to different environments: “We want to provide them with enriching experiences and varied scenery as they grow, so moving them to a larger habitat will be a natural progression.”
The Calgary Zoo has two habitats designed for bears, each tailored to support their behavioural enrichment and overall well-being. The careful management of these spaces reflects the zoo’s commitment to nurturing wildlife while educating the public about the importance of conservation.
Why it Matters
The introduction of Turner and Fitz to the public not only highlights the Calgary Zoo’s dedication to animal care but also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by wildlife in their natural habitats. Human-wildlife encounters often lead to tragic outcomes, underscoring the need for greater awareness and responsible practices in areas where human and animal territories intersect. By providing a safe haven for these cubs, the zoo plays a vital role in preserving grizzly bear populations and educating visitors about the environmental balance necessary for coexistence.
