A young grizzly bear named Fitz managed to leave his designated area at the Calgary Zoo, triggering emergency response protocols. The zoo’s spokesperson, Cindy Antonello, confirmed that the incident occurred early Sunday morning before the zoo opened to the public. Luckily, no injuries were reported to visitors, staff, volunteers, or other animals.
The zoo’s animal care and security teams, in collaboration with the Calgary Police Service, promptly handled the situation by immobilizing Fitz and relocating him safely. Following the incident, the Wild Canada zone, where the bears reside, was temporarily closed for assessment before reopening later in the day.
John Guigon, a Staff Sgt. with the Calgary Police Service, assured the public that there was no risk during the incident. The bear was tranquilized by zoo staff after a brief excursion within the zoo premises. Guigon mentioned that the police were on standby, ready to assist if needed.
Fitz and his brother Turner were brought to the zoo as orphans after their mother was killed near Diamond Valley last fall. The zoo authorities are reviewing the incident as part of established post-incident procedures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
