The Calgary Zoo, operated by the Wilder Institute, is currently looking into the circumstances surrounding an incident where a grizzly bear managed to escape from its enclosure on Sunday morning. In a press conference held on Monday afternoon, Colleen Baird, the zoo’s head of animal care, health, and welfare, mentioned that an investigation is ongoing to identify necessary improvements to the habitat and preventive measures.
The bear in question, a one-year-old grizzly named Fitz, was discovered outside his designated area during routine morning checks before the zoo opened to the public. Baird stated that the animal care team swiftly implemented emergency protocols, leading to the bear being tranquilized promptly and confirmed to be in good health.
Despite the incident, Baird assured the public that there was no danger to visitors as the escape occurred before opening hours, and the bear remained close to its enclosure. The section of the zoo housing the bears, known as Wild Canada, was temporarily closed but later reopened in the afternoon following the incident.
Authorities responded to the situation, with the Calgary Police being on standby at the scene. Staff Sergeant John Guigon mentioned that while concerns were understandable due to the bear being a grizzly, it appeared the animal was more interested in exploring than causing harm.
The exact timing of Fitz’s escape remains unknown, with Baird acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the duration he was outside the enclosure. However, there is confidence that the bear did not wander around the zoo overnight, as no signs of disturbance or footprints were found, and surveillance footage did not show Fitz leaving the vicinity.
It is believed that Fitz managed to escape by climbing over the enclosure’s containment barriers, which are approximately eight to ten feet high and equipped with hot wire as an additional deterrent. Baird emphasized the multiple layers of security in place within the zoo to prevent such incidents, including a high barbed wire fence surrounding the entire premises.
As a precautionary measure, Fitz and his brother Turner have been temporarily relocated to a secure area within the zoo. The zoo’s team is currently evaluating further enhancements to the habitat based on the investigation’s findings. Fitz and Turner were brought to the zoo as orphaned cubs last year following the tragic loss of their mother near Diamond Valley.