Calgary Zoo Polar Bear Baffin Dies Accidentally

A polar bear named Baffin at the Calgary Zoo drowned after his throat was crushed during rough play with another male bear, Siku. The incident occurred while visitors watched, and it was initially unclear that Baffin was in distress. A necropsy revealed that the bite, although not piercing the skin, was strong enough to crush Baffin's trachea, causing him to lose consciousness and drown. Both bears had been orphaned as cubs and were considered compatible due to their long history together. The zoo has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to animal welfare, noting that separating the bears would not align with their values. The public has been invited to share condolences with the team that cared for Baffin.