A Tragic Loss: Calgary Zoo Mourns Polar Bear Baffin, Killed in Playful Encounter
The Calgary Zoo is mourning the sudden loss of Baffin, a seven-year-old male polar bear, who drowned after a playful encounter with his companion, Siku, turned fatal. This tragic incident, a rare and unexpected outcome of seemingly harmless animal behavior, has sparked renewed concerns about animal welfare and safety at the zoo.
Baffin, orphaned in the wild at just a year old, was rescued and brought to a zoo near Winnipeg, where he lived for most of his life. In 2021, he was transferred to the Calgary Zoo, accompanied by another orphaned male polar bear, eight-year-old Siku. The pair were known to exhibit typical polar bear social behavior, including playful interactions in and out of the water, often engaging in "rough play": a form of physical play that can involve pushing, biting, and tackling.
On July 19, 2024, tragedy struck. An independent wildlife pathologist conducting a necropsy (an autopsy for animals) found that Baffin had drowned after a tracheal injury sustained during rough play with Siku. The injury, a crushed trachea, likely caused him to lose consciousness while submerged in the water.
"Although the necropsy results are conclusive about the cause of Baffin’s death, they offer little solace to our team that loved Baffin so deeply", said Colleen Baird, the zoo’s director of animal care, health, and welfare. "Baffin and Siku shared a long history as longtime habitat mates and enjoyed a companionate relationship, which is why they were chosen to come to Calgary from Assiniboine Park Zoo. They displayed many natural polar bear behaviours, including playing daily in and out of the water."
The zoo emphasizes that the intensity of the play on the day of Baffin’s death appeared no different than what caregivers witnessed daily. However, this tragic incident underscores the unpredictable nature of animal behavior, even among seemingly well-adjusted animals. It raises questions about the inherent risks associated with housing animals in close proximity, particularly when engaging in high-energy activities like swimming and play.
While this incident is heartbreaking, the zoo’s statement expresses their commitment to ongoing research and evaluation of animal behavior, environmental enrichment, and facility safety. The zoo is also participating in crucial conservation efforts to protect polar bears in their natural habitat, where climate change poses a significant threat to their survival.
This 事件 has also cast a spotlight on past incidents at the Calgary Zoo, raising concerns about the zoo’s safety measures and animal welfare practices. In 2010, an external audit revealed a series of animal deaths and injuries attributed to unqualified staffing and flawed exhibit designs. The audit highlighted the death of a baby elephant, a hippo, four gorillas, and 41 stingrays, as well as dozens of bats and four sugar gliders.
The zoo has addressed these issues since the 2010 audit, implementing stricter animal care protocols, investing in staff training, and improving exhibit designs to enhance animal safety. However, the recent death of Baffin raises questions about whether these improvements are sufficient to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The zoo’s commitment to transparency and accountability is crucial in regaining public trust. A thorough internal investigation into Baffin’s death, shared publicly, will help to ensure that the zoo is taking all necessary steps to prevent similar incidents and to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all its animals.
It is important to remember that zoos play a vital role in wildlife conservation and education. They provide a unique opportunity for humans to connect with animals and learn about their importance in the natural world. However, the responsibility for ensuring animal welfare and safety falls squarely on the zoo’s shoulders.
Baffin’s death is a tragic reminder of the delicate balance between 野生动物与人类世界. It highlights the need for careful consideration and constant vigilance in the design and management of animal enclosures, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement in animal welfare practices. As we grieve the passing of Baffin, we must also use this as a catalyst for change, striving for a future where zoos provide not only entertainment but also a safe and enriching environment for every animal entrusted to their care.
