World's First Polar Bear Rescue Center Underway in Winnipeg, Manitoba
This gateway to the Far North will soon be home to the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC), a rescue and emergency care facility in Assiniboine Park for orphaned polar bear cubs, injured or malnourished bears, or bears affected by a catastrophic event like an oil spill. PBI will oversee the center's research and education efforts, working in cooperation with Manitoba Conservation.
“As the sea ice continues to diminish, scientists anticipate an increased number of polar bears in need of help,” said Robert Buchanan, PBI president. “The center will play a unique and invaluable role in establishing and coordinating polar bear rescue efforts.”
Buchanan joined Manitoba's premier, Greg Selinger, and Assiniboine Park officials for a snow-turning ceremony in early June to mark the start of construction. In addition to rescue efforts, the new center will:
- Support and facilitate zoo-based research projects that contribute to the survival of polar bears in the wild
- Develop and distribute programs and materials that educate the public about polar bears
- Increase public awareness of the fragile arctic ecosystem
- Motivate people to help conserve polar bears by reducing their carbon footprint
“If we save polar bears, we'll also save frogs, birds, butterflies and, ultimately, people and the planet,” Buchanan says.
You Can Help Polar Bears in Need of Care! Please DONATE or ADOPT a polar bear to support this and other PBI conservation efforts.
Photo Credit: © 2010 Daniel J. Cox / Natural Exposures
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