The Calgary Zoo, part of the Wilder Institute, is currently looking into the circumstances surrounding a grizzly bear’s escape from its enclosure on Sunday morning. The zoo’s director of animal care, health, and welfare, Colleen Baird, mentioned during a media briefing on Monday that an investigation is ongoing to identify necessary habitat enhancements and preventive measures.

The incident involving Fitz, a one-year-old grizzly bear cub, was noticed by staff during routine early morning checks before the zoo opened to the public. Baird stated that the animal care team promptly enacted emergency protocols, leading to the bear being tranquilized swiftly and confirmed to be in good health.

Baird assured the public that there was no danger as the incident occurred before the zoo’s opening hours, and Fitz remained close to his enclosure. The Wild Canada section, where the bears are housed, was temporarily closed but later reopened.

Authorities responded to the incident, with Calgary police on standby. Staff Sgt. John Guigon mentioned that while concerns were present due to the bear’s nature, Fitz seemed more interested in exploring than causing harm.

The exact timing of Fitz’s escape remains unknown, but Baird clarified that evidence suggests he did not wander extensively within the zoo grounds. It is believed that Fitz managed to escape by climbing over the enclosure’s barriers, which were designed to prevent such occurrences.

Fitz and his brother Turner have been relocated to a secure area within the zoo, and further evaluations are being conducted to determine necessary improvements to prevent future incidents. The bear siblings were brought to the Calgary Zoo as cubs following their mother’s unfortunate demise near Diamond Valley.

The zoo’s focus is now on enhancing safety measures and ensuring the well-being of its animal residents, particularly those in the grizzly bear habitat.