Baffin the Polar Bear Dies at the Calgary Zoo After Not Resurfacing from Pool

One of the two polar bears at the Calgary Zoo, named Baffin has died in its enclosure at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo on Friday.

The seven-year-old male polar bear, reportedly did not resurface after sparring with “Siku” (the second bear) in the pool around 11:30am on Friday. The Zoo said the sparring was normal behavior for bears.

Zoo staff noticed that Baffin did not resurface from the pool and had not been seen for a few minutes. Siku was moved out of the enclosure and the zoo’s animal care team pulled Baffin out of the zoo. Baffin was declared dead.

“A necropsy is being conducted to determine the cause of his passing and we will provide updates as soon as we have more information”, said Calgary Zoo. “The Animal Care, Health, & Welfare team will be closely monitoring his long-time habitat mate ‘Siku’, Calgary Zoo added.

The two bears arrived at the Calgary Zoo in October 2023.

Jamie Dorgan, the zoo’s interim CEO and COO, said during a press conference on Friday, “It’s obviously a huge shock today for our staff and volunteers to learn of this incredibly surprising situation.”

“We’re doing everything we can to support the teams who are of course family with the polar bears as well.”

Calgary Zoo said Baffin’s passing will leave a hole in hearts across the zoo and our community. “He will be remembered for his endearing teddy-bear’ face, his playful and curious nature, and his fondness for interacting with visitors during pool time. His presence brought immense joy to our lives and he will be deeply missed by all.”

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