Long farewell before polar bears leave zoo
Hudson and Humphrey returning to Toronto
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/09/2016 (2736 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Hudson and Humphrey are going home.
The polar bear brothers are returning to the Toronto Zoo where they were each born, in different litters and a couple of years apart, to the same parents including mother bear Aurora.
Hudson and Humphrey were the only surviving cubs in their litters.
“We are very grateful to have had Hudson and Humphrey here in Winnipeg for the last few years and to have given them the opportunity to become socialized with our other polar bears,” said Gary Lunsford, head of zoological operations at Assiniboine Park Zoo, in a statement. “While they will certainly be missed by our staff and visitors, we know that Toronto Zoo is very excited for their return.”
The two polar bears will leave the Journey to Churchill exhibit Oct. 11, but not before a flurry of celebrations.
The Assiniboine Park Zoo has announced the Ten Days of Hudson and Humphrey Celebrations beginning Saturday and running through Oct. 10. Zoo visitors are invited to see Hudson and Humphrey each of those days at 1:30 p.m. in the Gateway to the Arctic building in Journey to Churchill and watch them receive special goodbye treats and meet the keepers who have cared for them.
A statement from the zoo expressed it is “sad to announce the upcoming departure of polar bear brothers Hudson and Humphrey.” But the zoo’s statement said Hudson and Humphrey’s move to Toronto will create more space at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in case it is needed in the future.
In a partnership with Manitoba Sustainable Development, the zoo’s Polar Bear Rescue Team can be called to action at any time when there is a polar bear in need of intervention.
The seven polar bears remaining in the Journey to Churchill exhibit after Hudson and Humphrey head home — Storm, Aurora, Kaska, Blizzard, Star, York and Eli — were born in the wild but rescued from Manitoba’s north due to a variety of circumstances.
Hudson, who arrived at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in January 2013, was one of the first polar bears to live in the Journey to Churchill exhibit. His younger brother, Humphrey, came to Winnipeg in March 2015. After their move to the Toronto Zoo, the two may become part of a breeding program at another facility in the future.
Other activities Saturday through Oct. 10 will include signing a giant “bear-sized” farewell card and receiving ‘I heart Hudson’ or I heart Humphrey’ stickers at 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily in the Gateway to the Arctic building.
There will also be a colouring station for youngsters to colour and take home their own Hudson and Humphrey picture each day at 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Tundra Grill in the Journey to Churchill exhibit.
On the two Saturdays only, visitors can get a photo taken with Winston the polar bear mascot at 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the zoo’s main gate.
ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca
History
Updated on Friday, September 30, 2016 12:07 PM CDT: Adds information on remaining bears.
Updated on Saturday, October 1, 2016 9:30 AM CDT: Updated.