NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF COCHRANE
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It is with profound sadness that the Town of Cochrane, the Canadian Polar Bear Habitat and the Quebec Aquarium announce the sudden loss of ten‐year‐old polar bear Taiga.
“We are heartbroken,” said JP Bradette, Chair of the Habitat’s Board of Directors. “Not only did Taiga play an integral role in our research and conservation efforts, she also touched the lives of staff, volunteers, and guests. She will be deeply missed by both the Habitat and the Aquarium du Quebec families.”
Taiga had been living at the Habitat in Cochrane, Ontario for the past 11 months. Her permanent home was at the Aquarium du Quebec.
“We are still very attached to Taiga, who provided magical moments both for our visitors and for the team that has looked after her for all these years,” said Elizabeth Tessier, Director of the Aquarium du Quebec. “We have been extremely satisfied with the care provided to her by the staff at the Habitat. We are as saddened as they are by this news.”
At the Habitat, Taiga had recently made headlines as the first‐ever potentially pregnant female in human care to create her own den in natural conditions. She had recently been spending more time away from her den, without having produced a cub. Her den will be studied, and her meaningful contributions to the understanding of polar bear reproduction are a powerful legacy.
“All of us in Cochrane are proud to have been able to provide Taiga with an expansive, natural home,” said Cochrane Mayor Denis Clement. “We offer our condolences to personnel at both the Habitat and the Aquarium du Quebec, and to everyone who knew Taiga.”
Taiga was described by her care staff as curious, energetic, and social. She was known to spend time observing people, and she was extremely responsive to interactions with animal care staff. Taiga enjoyed spending time in the 21‐acre natural lake enclosure.
She passed away Tuesday morning. Arrangements are being made to determine the cause of death.
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