Polar bears celebrate Canada Day with cool treats
Henry and Ganuk, the polar bears residing at the sanctuary in Cochrane, Ontario, were treated to special watermelon snacks on July 1 to mark Canada Day. The bears enjoyed the refreshing fruit as part of enrichment activities designed to stimulate their natural behaviors and provide a festive experience for onlookers.
Sanctuary staff organize festive enrichment
According to sanctuary staff, the watermelon treats were a hit with both bears. Henry, the older male, eagerly devoured his portion, while Ganuk, the younger female, took a more playful approach, splashing in her pool with the fruit before eating it. The event drew a crowd of visitors who watched the bears enjoy their Canada Day celebration.
Watermelon provides hydration and stimulation
Watermelon is a favorite treat for the polar bears, offering hydration and a source of vitamins. The sanctuary regularly uses food-based enrichment to keep the bears engaged, especially during warm summer months. The Canada Day treat was part of a broader effort to educate the public about polar bear care and conservation.
Polar bears at Cochrane sanctuary
The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat is one of only a few facilities in the world dedicated exclusively to polar bears. It provides a natural environment for bears that cannot be released into the wild. Henry and Ganuk are among the resident bears that benefit from such enrichment activities, which also include puzzle feeders, scent trails, and ice blocks.
