Inukshuk returning to Cochrane polar bear habitat

The “bachelor pad” at the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat will soon be expanding with Canada’s most prolific breeder, Inukshuk, due to arrive September 29, 2016.

“We’re all male right now, which is great for both our boys, and the ladies at the Toronto Zoo,” said Manager, Karen Cummings.  “After breeding, the males and females usually separate in the wild, so having all the boys in one place and all the girls in another actually makes for less stressful living conditions.”

Inukshuk has sired Cochrane Polar Bear resident, Ganuk, his twin sister Taiga (in Quebec), Hudson and Humphrey (in Winnipeg), and the Toronto Zoo’s current darling, Juno.  Almost 14, Inukshuk is still in his prime and when at his top weight in winter, close to 1,200 lbs.

Conservation Coordinator Dylan McCart thinks Inukshuk will be a great addition to the Habitat’s operations.  “We are all looking forward to Inuksuk’s return, and to see how he changes the dynamic with our current bears. Now that Henry and Ganuk have formed a bond, it will be interesting to see how Inukshuk impacts them. He will remain separated from the boys for the time being, but we will be monitoring them for any signs they want to be together. I am personally excited to see all the new training Inukshuk has received from the talented staff at the Toronto Zoo as well.”

Since Inukshuk was a wild born orphan, staff believe he specifically will enjoy the world’s largest polar bear enclosure, scheduled for its public opening October 4^th, to the max.  “Inukshuk just seems a little more independent than a lot of our other residents.  We think he’s going to love having over 12 acres of lake and natural environment,” said Cummings.

Inukshuk will be transported by truck and trailer in a specifically constructed crate.  Weather conditions (specifically heat) will be monitored closely before giving the ok to begin the journey.  He will be accompanied by Toronto Zoo staff and carefully watched throughout the trip.

Upon arrival, Inukshuk will be in Bear Holding for the first day or so, then quarantined to one enclosure (B), to ensure he acclimatizes and for the health and safety of all the bears.  Once Vets have given the all clear, Inukshuk will go into regular rotation and will be included in Habitat educational and visitor viewing opportunities.