Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat doubling in size!

The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat is getting a new 700 pound resident!

Two year old Henry is making his way from Sea World Gold Coast in Australia where he has lived with his mother. Manager Karen Cummings says being separated from the mother is a normal occurrence for polar bears at Henry’s age. At around two years old, polar bear mothers let the cubs know, “It’s time to leave the nest. He should be self supportive and independent.”

The habitat, which has grown to be the largest polar bear facility at 15 hectares, is already home to five year old Ganuk. Henry will hopefully join Ganuk as a playmate, but Cummings says there is never a guarantee two bears will get along.

Henry will remain in quarantine (away from Ganuk) for 30 days before they introduce the bears. Visitors are welcome at the habitat to try and catch a glimpse of Henry in his habitat, but there is no guarantee to see the new polar bear as there will be no scheduled visits.

The bear keepers and staff at the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat are “over the moon excited” about Henry’s arrival.