A pair of polar bear cubs have been transferred from Churchill to Winnipeg after their mother was fatally injured by someone attempting to scare her away from a building entrance.
The 11-month-old male cubs were taken to the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.
“Both cubs are in good health and are adjusting well to their new surroundings,” Dr. Chris Enright, head of veterinary services at the zoo, said in a news release. “Obviously this is a very unfortunate situation and we prefer that all polar bears remain in the wild; however, we are happy that a facility such as this exists for polar bears who would otherwise not survive on their own.”
The adult female was killed when a cracker shell, which led to significant blood loss, accidentally hit it. Cracker shells – shotgun shells that explode with a loud bang – are often used to scare polar bears away from buildings and protect people in Churchill.
