The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo posted a grizzly update Friday, announcing the completion of improvements to its bear habitat. Two weekends ago, Fitz, a one-year-old grizzly, was discovered missing during an early-morning check. Colleen Baird, the Wilder Institute’s director of animal care, health and welfare, said in an Aug. 17 interview with CTV News that Fitz was able to climb above containment barriers within the habitat, adding the response was swift and the animal remained calm throughout. “There was no risk to public safety as this incident took place before the zoo opened for the day,” she said. Baird said initial findings suggest the bear accessed an area just outside and above its habitat, but did not leave the immediate vicinity or roam the zoo grounds. She also emphasized the enclosure’s design and multiple containment layers. “Animals are contained within layers upon layers of mitigation,” she said. “That habitat is designed to contain a bear.” In Saturday’s update, the zoo said it has “reinforced and strengthened the existing fencing.” They have also added a new 90-degree overhang to keep bears from climbing onto the top of the fence. The young bears -- Fitz and Turner--are scheduled to return to the habitat Saturday now that the reno job is complete. “When Fitz and Turner return to the habitat, our animal care, health and welfare team will monitor the bears to ensure they are safe and comfortable as they settle back in. “As they adjust and establish their new routine, they may occasionally be off-habitat and may not always be viewable. We’re confident these changes will prevent a recurrence, and we’ll continue to closely monitor the behaviour of these curious young bears and make additional modifications if needed. We’re looking forward to seeing Fitz and Turner back in their habitat, where they can get back to doing what young grizzlies do best: exploring, playing, and wrestling with each other!” With files from CTV News’ Mason DePatie & Tyler Barrow
