Polar bear at Calgary Zoo died by drowning following ‘crushing’ injury
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has revealed the cause of death for polar bear Baffin last week.
The zoo said seven-year-old Baffin had been sparring with eight-year-old polar bear Siku in the pool in their enclosure on Friday, but went under the water and failed to resurface.
On Monday, following a necropsy, the zoo announced Baffin died by drowning following a “crushing injury to his trachea” by Siku during the “rough play.”
Officials presume Baffin lost consciousness under the water due to his injury, and subsequently drowned.
The necropsy – which was completed by an independent pathologist as well as the zoo’s animal health team – also confirmed Baffin was in excellent physical condition.
Additionally, officials say the necropsy found no evidence of heat-related stress.
Dr. Sandie Black, senior veterinariansaid the necropsy results offer “hollow comfort” to staff, who “loved Baffin so deeply.”
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information as it becomes available…
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