The polar bear in residence at Calgary’s zoo has a new playmate.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo says a 20-year-old bear named Yelle has arrived from a zoo in Quebec.
Yelle is in quarantine and will be gradually introduced to the zoo’s other male polar bear Siku based on the bears’ behaviour and comfort level.
The move comes almost two years after the zoo’s polar bear Baffin died.
The zoo determined Baffin died by drowning following a crushing injury to his trachea by Siku during a bout of rough play.
Yelle was born in the Netherlands, and the zoo says a new arrival is always an exciting time.
“Yellé’s arrival is especially meaningful for our team,” said animal care manager Paul Woerner in a statement Wednesday. “We’ve been looking for the right companion for Siku, and having Yellé join our zoo family is a moment we’ve all been eagerly anticipating.”
Officials stressed the bears will be brought together carefully, starting with scent exchanges, then allowing the bears to see and interact with each other through a protective barrier before eventually sharing space.
The Calgary Zoo has served as an Arctic Ambassador Centre with Polar Bears International since 2023, supporting efforts to raise awareness about the challenges the animals face in a rapidly changing Arctic.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2026.