A Forever Home: Orphaned Grizzly Cubs Mist and Henry Find Sanctuary at the Calgary Zoo

In a heartwarming development for wildlife enthusiasts and conservation advocates alike, two orphaned grizzly bear cubs, affectionately named Mist and Henry, have officially found their forever home at the Calgary Zoo. This decision marks the end of an uncertain chapter for the young siblings, ensuring their safety and future well-being within a protected environment.

The cubs' ordeal began in the autumn of 2023 when their mother, a wild grizzly, was tragically euthanized by Alberta Fish and Wildlife.

The difficult decision was made after repeated attempts by the sow to access human food sources, posing an escalating risk to public safety. Left vulnerable and too young to survive on their own, Mist and Henry were rescued and brought to the Calgary Zoo for temporary care, their fate hanging in the balance.

Following a thorough assessment, wildlife experts determined that releasing Mist and Henry back into the wild was not a viable option.

Given their tender age at the time of their mother's passing, they lacked the crucial time needed to learn essential survival skills, such as foraging for natural foods and avoiding human conflict, directly from her. Releasing them would have likely put them at significant risk, with a low probability of successful integration into a wild population.

Recognizing the cubs' unique circumstances and the urgent need for a permanent solution, the Calgary Zoo stepped forward with an application to provide Mist and Henry with a lifelong sanctuary.

This application was met with approval, solidifying the zoo's commitment to these magnificent creatures. The decision allows the cubs to thrive under expert care, ensuring they receive the nutrition, enrichment, and medical attention necessary for a healthy life.

Currently, Mist and Henry are acclimating to their new surroundings in an off-display habitat, a crucial period for their development and adjustment.

Zoo staff are diligently working to prepare them for their eventual public debut in the renowned Canadian Wilds habitat. Here, they will join other iconic Canadian species, becoming powerful ambassadors for grizzly bear conservation. Their presence will offer visitors a unique opportunity to connect with these incredible animals, fostering a deeper understanding of their plight in the wild and the critical importance of human-wildlife coexistence.

The story of Mist and Henry is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by wildlife in an ever-encroaching human world.

Their second chance at life at the Calgary Zoo not only provides them with a secure future but also serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring collective action towards protecting Canada's precious biodiversity for generations to come.