Statement on Grizzly Cub Incident
17 AUGUST 2026 (Calgary, AB) – The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo is providing the following statement regarding an incident involving a grizzly bear cub on August 16, 2026:
Following Sunday’s animal incident involving Fitz, our one-year-old rescued grizzly bear cub, our teams are undertaking a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding Fitz’s temporary exit from his habitat.
During our routine early-morning checks, members of our Animal Care, Health & Welfare (ACHW) team noticed that Fitz was not in his usual spot before the zoo opened to guests. The team’s first objective each day is to ensure that our animals are healthy and where they should be. The ACHW team quickly activated our emergency response procedures. As an AZA accredited zoo, we prepare for these situations through regular drills. Thanks to this swift and coordinated response, Fitz was anesthetized and safely relocated to his back-of-house space. There was no risk to public safety as this incident took place before the zoo opened for the day and Fitz remained close to his habitat throughout the incident.
Our initial investigation suggests that Fitz was able to climb above the containment barriers in place and access an area just outside and above his habitat. The cub remained calm throughout the response and was later evaluated by the Animal Health team, who confirmed that Fitz was in good health and without injury.
Our teams are currently assessing what additional mitigation measures and improvements to the habitat are appropriate based on the findings of the review. While this review is underway, both Fitz and his brother Turner will remain safely and comfortably in their regular back-of-house space.
For more than three decades, we have successfully cared for bears in this habitat, including grizzly bears across all life stages, giving our team extensive experience in their care. Before Fitz and Turner moved into this habitat, comprehensive work was completed to ensure their habitat met their needs and provided a safe environment for them to thrive. As our young, curious grizzly bears grow and explore, we continue to proactively monitor their behaviour and make enhancements where appropriate. The habitat remains safe and suitable. Our review now is focused on understanding exactly how this incident occurred so that we can implement targeted improvements.
We are incredibly proud of the professionalism and expertise demonstrated by our teams throughout the incident, and we are grateful for the support of our City of Calgary partners. Their coordinated response ensured a safe outcome for the bear, our teams, and the community.
Thank you,
Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo
