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For Immediate Release
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Toronto Zoo: Cynthia Shipley,
Manager PR and Events
(416) 392-5938 Email: cshipley@torontozoo.ca
Assiniboine Zoo: Laura Curtis,
Manager, Brand & Communications
Cell: 204-793-4316 Email: lcurtis@assiniboinepark.ca
Goodbye Toronto. Hello Winnipeg!
Thursday, February 12, 2015, Toronto, Ontario: The Toronto Zoo held a special media event today in honour of “Humphrey”, the adorable one-year old polar bear cub, as he will soon be embarking on an exciting journey to a new home at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg.
His Worship, Mayor John Tory, Mayor of Toronto was at the Toronto Zoo for a special behind the scenes tour of the zoo’s Reproductive Laboratories as well as to learn about details of the new Wildlife Health Centre construction project. “Humphrey” was presented with an ice treat made just for him much to the delight of visitors, members of the media as well as Toronto Zoo Staff and Volunteers. “Humphrey”, who was born at the Toronto Zoo on November 9, 2013, will be moving to the 10-acre, state-of-the-art polar bear habitat which is also currently home to six other polar bears, including his brother “Hudson”, who moved from the Toronto Zoo in January 2013. This milestone for “Humphrey” signifies the next step in his behavioural development. In his first year, Toronto Zoo staff worked towards transitioning a dependent newborn into an independent youngster. The next step is for him to be socialized with other polar bears to further his development towards becoming an adult bear. The last, confirmed, chance to see "Humphrey" will be Monday, February 16, 2015.
Weighing only 700 grams, “Humphrey”, the only surviving cub of three males born to mom “Aurora” and dad “Inukshuk”, was transferred to the Zoo's intensive care unit in the Wildlife Health Centre (WHC) on November 11, 2013 where he quickly became a very special part of the Toronto Zoo. “Humphrey” was raised by a dedicated team of veterinarians and animal care experts, who continuously managed and monitored his temperature, weight, nutrition and overall health as a newborn and small cub. At four months old, Humphrey became strong enough to move into the Polar Bear Maternity Area in the Tundra Trek, where he made his public debut. Today “Humphrey” weighs in at 136 kg (300 pounds) and is a well-adjusted cub who is playful, curious and independent.
As a leader in conservation and species survival, the Toronto Zoo is involved in collaborative research projects with multiple accredited zoos and organizations to help better understand polar bear reproductive biology, nutrition and behaviour studies to provide valuable information to support polar bear education, research and conservation efforts both at the Zoo and in the wild. Some of these organizations include Polar Bears International (PBI), Parks Canada, the North American Polar Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP), and Acres for the Atmosphere.
"This is very exciting news for us here at the Assiniboine Park Zoo and we are thrilled to welcome "Humphrey" and have him join our other polar bears in the Journey to Churchill Exhibit," said Dr. Brian Joseph, Director of Zoological Operations at Assiniboine Park Zoo. "He’s just as lovable as his older brother "Hudson" and we can’t wait for the community to meet him."
"I wish "Humphrey" the best on his journey to his new home in Winnipeg. "Humphrey" has been a joy to all those who had the privilege to visit him during his year with us. "Humphrey" is at the Toronto Zoo until Monday and I encourage everyone to bid Humphrey a fond farewell this Family Day weekend”, says Mayor John Tory.
Polar bears are a threatened species and the Toronto Zoo’s breeding program works closely with other Zoological associations and conservation institutions. It is estimated that there are, approximately, 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears in the wild and around 60% of those living in Canada.
“The knowledge gained from our efforts with polar bears in our care provides the necessary foundation for understanding polar bears and their plight in the wild and gives field researchers the tools they need to create conservation plans to help save this iconic species” says Maria Franke, Curator of Mammals, Toronto Zoo. “The Toronto Zoo is very proud to be participating in the SSP and “Humphrey” is the latest ambassador for this success story”.
The Toronto Zoo will continue to participate in the important polar bear breeding program with male, “Inukshuk”, and sisters “Aurora” and “Nikita”, in the hopes of future success with more polar bear cubs.
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