Sixteen-month-old polar bear Hudson makes his first public appearance at the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg, Thursday, February 14, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
February 14, 2013 - 10:36 AM
WINNIPEG - Hudson the polar bear has taken his first public romp around his enclosure at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo.
The 15-month-old bruin is the first inhabitant of the zoo's International Polar Bear Conservation Centre.
Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger says polar bears are a sentinel species for climate change and the exhibit will attract researchers from all over the world.
Hudson arrived two weeks ago and his keepers say he is friendly, likes people and loves Winnipeg's frosty winter conditions.
That was certainly evident as he frolicked in front of well-wishers, batted at a red ball and chowed down on treats.
Hudson has big paws to fill: he replaces the zoo's much-loved Debby, who was believed to be the world's oldest polar bear when she died in 2008 at the age of 42.
Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said mayor
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013