The habitat is getting a new polar bear. Six year old male Mikal is arriving from Aalborg Zoo in Denmark because he is surplus to the population. His arrival could mean good things for the Canadian bear population. Since he is already mature he could possibly be used to breed with Toronto's girls. Aurora is a proven breeder so it would be a good way to test out his breeding and remove Inukshuk from the breeding population. Polar Bear Habitat to Get A New Polar Bear | Kapuskasing Times
Interesting. I only have the article to go by. The habitat's facebook page says nothing about any impending arrival. A female going to the habitat is disappointing. That means they would be looking to breed Inukshuk to her or Ganuk. Either way that is just spreading Inukshuk's over represented genes around more.
Seems the confusion stems from the Aalborg Zoo having a female named Malik (b 2000) and a male named Milak (b 2008) (THE POLAR BEAR ENCLOSURE | Aalborg Zoo). I am inclined to believe that it is the male who will be coming.
Ok that makes sense about the confusion. I wondered how the reporter got gender wrong while speaking to someone from the habitat. Though stranger things have happened, especially with small town news papers.
While this would be great... the date on this article is June 19th, 2013. Unless everything is taking it's sweet time... I'm inclined to believe that this is outdated/old news. But... you never know!
Milak ist not a male Aalborg: Erneuter Irrtum bei der Geschlechtsbestimmung – Milak ist eine “Sie” | Eisbären im Zoo - Polar Bears in Zoos
Lol, never checked the date on the article. Oh I need to learn to read everything. The mistake on gender probably wasnt caught until after the article then. Duerener how do you know she is coming next month? I would think a female could easily be placed in Europe, especially a mature female ready to begin breeding. But I dont know the first thing about the gender balance or genetics of the bears in Europe.
Mikal actually went to Sauvage Zoo. She arrived on Dec 18th and they expect to keep her. Centre de conservation de la biodiversité Zoo sauvage St-Félicien | The Zoo sauvage welcomes a Scandinavian TV star!
According to their facebook page the habitat lost out on Mikal when they discovered she was a female and not a male as had been thought. A spare male was to go to Cochrane but a breeding age female who belongs to Sauvage Zoo was another matter. She is better off paired with Yelle then Inkushuk or Ganuk.
Big news for the Habitat and for Canadian bears in general. Sea World Australia is sending 2 year old male polar bear, Henry, to the habitat. He descends from Canadian genetics on his fathers side and his mother is Russian. At two he will need time to mature before he can breed but he is the first bear they have who can breed with any female in Canada. Although there may be some hesitation to use him if they want to keep the Canadian blood lines purely Canadian. Polar Bear Leaving Queensland birthplace for new Home in Canada | eCanadaNow
The move of two year old Henry has begun. According to the habitat he should be arriving after a marathon journey sometime Oct 7th.
The story of Henry's move and life and Cochrane's future plans for him. Mom doesn’t want him, so Aussie polar bear heads to Ontario | Toronto Star
The habitat was granted CAZA accreditation! Congrats to staff on this achievement. Polar Bear Habitat earns accreditation | Cochrane Times Post
An update on Henry and the new massive yard that is being constructed for Henry and Ganuk to enjoy. Henry takes his first dip in the big pool | Cochrane Times Post
The new exhibit which surrounds Hector Lake is nearly done. The bears are being trained to come and go from that exhibit as well as steps are being taken to introduce the boys. 6 Webcams are being installed and soon enough they will become internet sensations. CTV Northern Ontario: 21st century habitat | CTV Northern Ontario News Polar Bear Habitat keeping very busy | Cochrane Times Post
Ganuk and Henry have been introduced and are getting along quite well. Henry, Ganuk together at last | Sudbury Star
A bad storm has significantly damaged two of the four habitats, the pool and lake exhibits. The bears are fine though.
They have finally introduced Inukshuk to Henry and son Ganuk. All three boys now spend their days together. Inukshuk and Henry have really taken to each other while Ganuk is still a little aloof with his dear old dad.
