Polar Bears

The Assiniboine Park Zoo's Journey to Churchill exhibit is the most comprehensive zoological exhibit of its kind in the world. The exhibit's expansive enclosures, pools, rugged landscapes, and shaded dens provide our polar bears with a stimulating environment inspired by their natural habitat and plenty of space for exercise, exploration and socialization. Assiniboine Park Zoo is also home to the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, an education, research, and transition facility that is the first home for polar bears.

Why Rescue Polar Bears?

Polar bears are an important part of the natural heritage and culture of Manitoba, so much so, that it is the only Province or Territory in Canada with special legislation dedicated to polar bears called the Polar Bear Protection Act. In 2010, this Act was amended to recognise that climate change was threatening polar bear habitat and that polar bears in human care could act as ambassadors for wild polar bears and for the Province. Research has shown that if a polar bear cub becomes an orphan in its first year of life it will not survive. However, if these young polar bears are rescued and brought into human care they could help connect people to nature in ways that inspire them to join us in trying to protect the environment.

Churchill exhibit