In an unusual incident, one of the grizzly bears at the Calgary Zoo ventured outside its designated area. The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo reported that Fitz, a one-year-old grizzly bear, left his enclosure around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. Following the protocol, emergency response measures were promptly activated, stated communications manager Cindy Antonello.

The zoo’s animal care and security teams, along with the Calgary Police Service, quickly responded to the situation. Fitz was safely immobilized and relocated by the animal care team to a secure part of the facility. Fortunately, there were no injuries to visitors, staff, volunteers, or other animals during the incident.

Antonello confirmed that the incident occurred before the zoo opened to the public, leading to a temporary closure of the Wild Canada area where the bears are housed. The section was reopened later in the day after a thorough assessment by the zoo’s teams.

She mentioned that a post-incident review will be conducted by the zoo’s staff to understand the circumstances better. Further details regarding the incident were not disclosed at that time.

Calgary Police Service Staff Sgt. John Guigon assured the public that there was no risk to their safety during the bear’s escapade. He explained that the grizzly bear roamed around the zoo, was tranquilized by zoo personnel, and posed no threat to anyone.

Fitz and his sibling Turner arrived at the zoo as cubs last autumn after their mother was tragically killed by a hunter near Diamond Valley, southwest of Calgary.