​ SASKATOON — Saskatoon Zoo Foundation is looking for community support for paws-itive impact for bears to soon have a new bear-y happy home.
Koda and Mistaya, Saskatoon Zoo’s famous bears, came as orphaned cubs and their current habitat was built 17 years ago, which is now in need of replacement.
Zoo Manager Jeff Mitchell says at that time this enclosure met the standard required but over time the bears grew, and so did the desire to give these creatures some additional space and a new more comfortable place to live.
“Right now, we are getting ready to introduce some of our ideas for the new bear enclosure at our upcoming Zoo Gala event June 6. We have received one large donation of $1M to kick start our fundraiser and we will start ramping up efforts again this summer,” says Mitchell.
Mitchell says that while a final budget for the bear enclosure has not been set, funds have been raised toward the project, though a significant amount is still needed to create the new home planned for Koda and Mistaya.
The projected timeline for the bear enclosure is estimated at 12 to 18 months, depending on whether enough funds are raised to complete the project. Mitchell says the expanded enclosure will be built in phases, allowing progress toward their long-term goal as resources become available.
“We are committed to building a new area for the bears and secondly, an important aspect, is our back area and how we are able to work with the bears in medical procedures as at present this existing area is not the most conducive to do all the things we want and need to do with our bears,” added Mitchell.
In the recent past, both bears were having dental issues and a vet specialist came in but the existing area wasn’t the best space to work in. Mitchell said the goals going forward are to provide ample space for staff and animals.
“Right now, the proposed new bear enclosure is slated to be right across from the snow leopard space, where the fallow deer and goats are.”
Â鶹´«Ã½AV asked Mitchell how the zoo responds to public concerns, including those on social media.
“While Mistaya came to us orphaned at six months old, Koda came to us orphaned at only a few days old. Koda has never learned what it was like to be a bear, with no mother to teach him. We are working hard to help Koda be more of a bear, to forage, to swim, and more of what a bear should do. Being able to help Koda be a bear is helping drive the new enclosure efforts.”
Mitchell acknowledges that Koda has learned a lot about living a good life. He has a nutritionist, vet care, specialists when needed and amazing staff.
The Saskatoon Zoo knows that providing education to guests and the public about what they do, why they do it and how they do it is important. Working with their educators, the zoo has designed a website to try and help address some of these questions and concerns.
“What makes us different is I am always ready to talk to media and guests, we are very open book here, and we want everyone to understand the passion we have for these animals,” said Mitchell.
Koda and Mistaya now have a dedicated keeper for six to eight hours a day, providing enrichment activities, engaging with them, and working to understand behaviours like Koda’s circling to help improve his comfort and well-being.
“We’re really working hard to make sure their lives are enjoyable and exciting and full of enrichment and different activities that they can do,” Mitchell said.
A recent unfavourable social media comment referred to the notion that these bears are drugged, to which Mitchell responds, “They just woke up from a long sleep, they’ve dropped over 75 kg and they are still waking up to their surroundings from hibernation.”
The pride and passion Mitchell has for his work and the animals at the zoo were evident throughout this interview. He said he was proud to announce that Saskatoon’s Zoo is the 13th zoo in Canada to get accredited by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
“This is in addition to our CAZA accreditation (Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums). Some people don’t quite understand, but in our industry, this means a lot, and it is a big notch to show we are working hard at doing the right things. A lot of work is involved in this accreditation, and we are very proud of that,” said the zoo manager.
Mitchell is optimistic about their goals for the brand-new bear exhibit, and the zoo foundation will be soon unveiling their plans and designs for a new home for Koda and Mistaya.
For more information and to support the zoo's efforts, visit their .
