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on The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day.

Class Mammals
Order Carnivora
Family Ursidae
Zoo section Arctic tundra
Habitat Arctic tundra
IUCN Status Vulnérable
Diet

Carnivorous, feeding mainly on seals but also eating fish, small mammals, birds, invertebrates, eggs, animal carcasses, berries and seaweed.

Lifespan

Up to 20 years in the wild. About 35 years in captivity.

Canadian status

Special concern

Quebec status

Vulnerable

Reproduction

From the age of 4 to 5 years old, the female mates between late February and early June every 2 to 4 years. The embryo develops after a delayed implantation during the last 10 weeks of a 6 ½ to 9 month gestation period. On average 2 cubs are born in a lair between late November and January. They are weaned about 1 ½ years later.

Predators

Man and other polar bear that can attack cubs.

FAQ
Why are polar bears brought inside at the end of the day and how is it done ?

We bring polar bears into their nighttime habitat to allow staff to clean the outdoor habitat in the morning before visitors come into the park. Also, it gives time to the person in charge of enrichment to hide a few surprises! When animals are in their nighttime habitat, we have an opportunity to observe them more closely, carry out physical examinations, administer a treatment and do biomedical training.
The technique used to persuade the animals to go inside is quite simple; the animals receive their main meal at the end of the day. The anticipation of a good meal encourages them to go in for the night.

Aren’t the polar bears rather hot during the summer ?

The polar bears are remarkable examples of adapting to the cold; they are protected by a thick layer of blubber, hollow hair shafts and dark skin. Due to this, winter is obviously their preferred season, a time when they can enjoy playing in the snow and swimming in the icy water.
Fortunately, during the summer, our polar bears can cool down as often as they wish by spending their time in their huge freshwater pool. Furthermore, the springtime melt gets rid of superfluous winter fur.

Feeding scedule

Avoid waiting

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