Hudson the Polar Bear

Hudson enjoying the snow in his new home!

Hudson the polar bear arrived at the Assiniboine Park Zoo at the end of January 2013 and will spend 16-18 months adapting to his new temporary home at the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC) until completion of the Journey to Churchill exhibit in 2014. The outdoor enclosure at the IPBCC has been renovated to specifically accommodate polar bears and is three times its original size making it a great home for Hudson.

You can say 'Hello to Hudson' at the IPBCC daily during regular Zoo hours.

Click here to see more pictures of Hudson!

Hudson's Story

On October 11, 2011, Aurora, one of Toronto’s Zoo's two 10-year old female polar bears, gave birth to three cubs, fathered by Inukshuk. Tragically, the new mother rejected the cubs shortly after birth, upon which time Toronto Zoo staff quickly intervened and rescued the two surviving cubs. Less than 24 hours later, one cub sadly succumbed to injuries sustained, leaving one male cub surviving. This little newborn cub weathered through some close calls, however born with a healthy appetite and a strong sense of will, this little bear demonstrated a consistent growth and was moved to his own exhibit.

Ready to proceed with their polar bear breeding efforts, the Toronto Zoo needed to find a new home for Hudson. Assiniboine Park Zoo, home to The International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC), which focuses on Research & Conservation of Polar Bears and other arctic species, was thrilled to have Hudson as the founding member in the Assiniboine Park Zoo’s polar bear breeding program.

All About Hudson

Hudson - 5 months old

Fun facts about baby Hudson’s “firsts”

Hudson - 77 days old

• When Hudson was only two weeks old, his skin colour began to change from pink to black and his pink nose and feet also started to turn black.
• When Hudson was one month old, his eyes and ears finally opened and he began to respond to both his environment and the people that cared for him.
• At about 40 days, Hudson began teething and to the delight of his care givers, very quickly showed his ability to use them!
• When Hudson was three months old, he began to walk. He took his time to take his first steps but once up on all fours, he demonstrated increased strength and coordination with each day that passed.

Scientific Facts