‘Agee’ the polar bear arrives at Assiniboine Zoo
Posted May 30, 2022 3:08 pm.
A new polar bear is being welcomed at the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.
The 26-year-old bear, named Agee, spent the majority of her life with her owners in B.C. Her owners say they are no longer able to take care of Agee, so the Assiniboine Park Zoo was asked if it could provide her with a new home.
Agee the polar bear at the Assiniboine Zoo. (Photo Courtesy the Assiniboine Zoo)
“As leaders in polar bear rescue, transition and care, the Assiniboine Park Zoo is very well-equipped to provide Agee with a new home and high quality of life in human care,” said Grant Furniss, Senior Director, Zoological Operations. “Here at the Zoo, we have a team of experts who will tend to Agee’s needs. She will receive the same attention and high standard of care as the other polar bears at the Zoo.”
Last week, a team from the zoo travelled to B.C. to perform a medical check, and Agee arrived in Winnipeg on Friday. The zoo says she will have to remain in quarantine for 30 days to make sure she doesn’t have any illness that might spread to the other bears, but she will have access to indoor and outdoor facilities as she adjusts to her new home.
Agee the polar bear at the Assiniboine Zoo. (Photo Courtesy the Assiniboine Zoo)
“Agee has spent her entire life in human care and has not had contact with other polar bears. For that reason, it is highly unlikely that she will be introduced to others bears here at the zoo,” added Furniss. “It is our intention that Agee will be visible to the public at some point in the future, but that will be determined by how she adjusts to her new surroundings. Her health and welfare are our highest priorities.”
After quarantine, Agee will join one other bear at the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, where the public will be able to see her.
There are 10 polar bears currently at the Assiniboine Zoo.
