A new polar bear has arrived at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, and while he’s staying behind the scenes for now, visitors should be able to catch a glimpse of him next month.
The zoo says Yellé, a 20-year-old male polar bear, arrived March 17 from Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien in Quebec and is currently in quarantine at the Wild Canada habitat.
Staff say the move is a meaningful one for the animal care team as Yellé begins settling into his new home.
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“Welcoming any new arrival is always an exciting time, but Yellé’s arrival is especially meaningful for our team,” said Paul Woerner, Animal Care Manager for Wild Canada.
Yellé is expected to eventually share the habitat with Siku, a 10-year-old male polar bear already living at the zoo.
Careful introduction planned for polar bears
The zoo says the introduction process will happen gradually, starting with scent exchanges, followed by visual contact through a barrier before the two bears are allowed to share the same space.
Woerner says the team is well-prepared for that next step.
“Our team has extensive experience in caring for polar bears and managing introductions,” he said.
According to the zoo, Yellé was born November 26, 2005, at Ouwehands Zoo in the Netherlands.
If all goes as planned, visitors can expect to see him in April at the Taylor Family Foundation Polar Bear Sanctuary.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has also been serving as an Arctic Ambassador Centre with Polar Bears International since 2023, helping raise awareness about polar bears and changing Arctic conditions.
Candice Johnson – The Homestretch