“Polar bears are an iconic species and have a long and storied history at Denver Zoo, and we know they’ll be missed by our staff, volunteers, donors and the community,” said Hollie Colahan, vice president for animal care at Denver Zoo. “Denver Zoo is committed to all of our animals, and while our polar bears receive excellent care, it’s important that they are paired with mates who may prove to be better breeding partners. The decision to relocate Cranbeary and Lee will benefit the welfare of both polar bears in the long run.
Currently, there are only 44 polar bears in North American zoos, and the species faces increasing threats in the wild. As a longstanding member of the AZA, Denver Zoo is active in a number of SSP Programs, which are collaborative breeding programs that facilitate that survival of the species by keeping zoo populations sustainable and genetically healthy, for a wide range of animals. The Polar Bear SSP is an important element in the effort to ensure the long-term wellbeing and security of the species.
“There is a tremendous need to support the species through the SSP due to a decline in the population of polar bears in zoos and growing pressures in the wild caused by climate change and other human activity,” added Brian Aucone, senior vice president for animal sciences at Denver Zoo. “We strongly feel the need to do our part to help protect polar bears, and believe Cranbeary and Lee will play an important role in that effort by pairing up with new partners at other institutions.”
Denver Zoo’s two grizzly bears, Kootenai and Tundra, will move from Bear Mountain into the existing polar bear exhibit, which will serve as a more suitable and improved habitat following necessary updates and renovations. These and other developments around the Zoo are part of implementing the vision of the “A New Denver Zoo” Master Plan, which was approved by the Denver City Council in 2015, and will ensure the Zoo remains a model for animal care, conservation and sustainability. Guests will start seeing a number of other improvements around the Zoo, including upgrades to existing animal habitats and the construction of a new animal hospital.
“The Zoo has grown and evolved dramatically throughout its 121-year history, and will always do so as we continuously work to optimize the wellbeing of our animals and the experience for our guests,” said Bert Vescolani, president & CEO of Denver Zoo. “We have cared for polar bears for more than 80 years, and remain fully committed to supporting the species and enhancing guest experience. As we look to the future, we are excited to return polar bears to a new, state-of-the-industry exhibit, and further our efforts to protect this important species.”
Denver Zoo invites the public to come say goodbye to Cranbeary and Lee and learn about polar bears and efforts to protect the species. Guests are encouraged to attend special zookeeper talks in front of the polar bear exhibit every Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. starting on October 6. For more information, please visit DenverZoo.org or call 720-337-1400.
