A Sad Farewell..
It is with the staff’s deepest regrets that we announce the passing of our polar bear Nanook, at the age of 30. In a joint decision with the veterinary staff, Nanook was euthanized on March 23, 2011 due to ill health.
Nanook arrived in captivity in 1983 at the age of 12 months. His mother was killed in the Polaris Mine area on Cornwallis Island. He was placed temporarily at the Calgary Zoo until a permanent home could be found. Nanook lived in a series of facilities until finding his final home at the Polar Bear Habitat. He had been with the facility since it’s opening in 2004 and had thoroughly enjoyed his retirement. Throughout his seven years in Cochrane, Nanook had become a bit of a celebrity to the north, appearing in several print and broadcast publications such as National Geographic and The Toronto Sun. Bus loads of students from across Ontario have come through the doors to learn about polar bears and their habitat with the assistance of Nanook.
“I have worked with Nanook for the past 3 years and when I think about him doing his yoga in the morning it always makes me laugh. He was such a clown and he had such a determined look in his eyes when he wanted something, especially watermelons”, laughs Mireille Caron, Keeper at the Polar Bear Habitat. “He was such a sweet boy and he definitely left a big polar bear footprint in a lot of hearts.”
Making the decision to euthanize Nanook was not an easy one but the decision is consistent with the protocols and spirit of the Polar Bear Habitat’s key mandate and mission. Being a “bear-centered” facility the Habitat provides a safe haven for polar bears by ensuring the bears are comfortable as possible.
The keepers know the bears better than anyone; they interact with them 7 days a week and can tell when something is wrong. We also have a great team of veterinarians to assist us when making these difficult decisions”, says Patricia Morin, Director of Conservation & Animal Care for the Polar Bear Habitat.
The average polar bear in the wild will reach their mid 20’s. To see a bear reach the age of 30 in captivity is remarkable thing and reflects the level of care and dedication found with the staff at the Cochrane facility.
“Nanook is the bear who taught us most of what we know about captive polar bears. He’s been here the longest out of all the other bears that have been housed at the facility. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to work with aging bears”, says Morin. “They’re amazing animals and teach us new things all the time. They hold a great deal of knowledge and make us smile every day. We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Nanook, he will be greatly missed.”
Through this unfortunate circumstance, the Polar Bear Habitat will no longer provide public visitation and access to the site for the foreseeable future. However, the facility will take this time to explore their own opportunities to further assist other bears in need and continue in its dedication to improving the quality of life for these majestic animals.
To assist us in these difficult times, the Polar Bear Habitat has reached out to its affiliates and friends. Nanook’s remains are being sent to Western University in Waterloo where the qualified staff will conduct ongoing research into the arctic species. “In partnership with Western, the Habitat can assure that continued research will be possible that will benefit other bears that are found needing help” says Morin. “It is so important to remember that Nanook was an ambassador for all polar bears and will continue this important role as he provides pertinent information to the scientific community.”
Since the beginning, the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat has established a unique way of providing the best alternative captive environment for polar bears. This dedicated mandate will continue to foster bears from facilities that can no longer house them or orphaned cubs that can no longer survive on their own in the wild.
The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat
The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat (CPBH) is the only captive bear facility in the world dedicated solely to polar bears. Through exceptional animal care standards, educational programs and research partnerships, the CPBH is an internationally respected centre for polar bears. Situated on five acres of northern Ontario terrain, visitors have the opportunity to take in northern landscapes while walking along our three large outdoor bear enclosures.
We pride ourselves in being a “bear-centered” facility. Our bears have access to all three enclosures throughout the day, equipped with a water source to cool off, trees, rock and natural vegetation. Visitors have the opportunity to speak one on one with animal care staff. Learn how our facility keeps one of the most challenging species in captivity content, what difficulties polar bears are facing due to climate change and how these changes are affecting their well-being.
Adjacent to the CPBH is the Heritage Village. Comprising of a Train Station with artifacts dating back to Cochrane’s beginning, the railway was the jump start to the town’s economy. The Antique Snowmobile Museum is another popular feature; as well as the homestead, blacksmith shop and trapper’s cabin