Arctic Vets

"The bears mourn[ed] too." How Blizzard the polar bear was honoured after his death

The humans — and bears — of Assiniboine Park Conservancy say goodbye to a beloved polar bear.

Animal care specialists say tearful goodbye to polar bear Blizzard and scatter his ashes on the tundra

4 years ago
Duration 2:25
Saying goodbye is the hardest part. Here’s how this beloved polar bear at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Conservancy was honoured after his death.

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One of the hardest things about caring for animals is the fact that, eventually, they pass on. And despite the efforts of the most dedicated caregivers and veterinarians, some conditions can't be healed.

Blizzard was a polar bear who first came to Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Conservancy in 2014. He and his sister Star were found as hungry orphaned cubs, and from the start, Blizzard found a special place in the staff's hearts.

Blizzard as a cub, playing in a trash can filled with water. (Arctic Vets Productions Inc. / CBC)

"He loved interacting with us," says animal care specialist Heather Penner. "He was this gentle giant."

Unfortunately, Blizzard suffered from an undiagnosed congenital heart defect that caused him to die young and suddenly. His passing was mourned by humans and bears alike. 

Blizzard the polar bear as an adult. (Arctic Vets Productions Inc. / CBC)

"You know, it was... it was very painful," says Penner. "And the bears mourn too, right? They went into his bed where he had been and they stayed in there all night."

Penner and colleague Jackie Enberg went back up to the shores of Hudson Bay, where Blizzard was found, to spread his ashes. 

Heather and Jackie say goodbye to polar bear Blizzard before scattering his ashes on the tundra. (Arctic Vets Productions Inc. / CBC)

"I'm so honoured that Assiniboine cares enough for Blizzard, and for us, to let us be a part of this really special event," says Enberg.

Also on episode 7 of Arctic Vets, head vet Dr. Chris Enright tends to a wild bald eagle who's possibly been electrocuted, and the team must decide whether harbour seal Camrose needs his eye removed.


Watch Arctic Vets, Fridays at 8:30 (9 NT) on CBC, or stream it on CBC Gem.