With the summer vacation season underway, the Polar Bear Habitat in Cochrane is offering four new experiences to visitors.
It will give people a closer look at the majestic animals in their play, sleeping or training environments, as well as help with research.
Polar bears usually live in remote, northern areas, often inaccessible to scientists, so research on the creatures can difficult, but not in Cochrane.
Amy Baxendell is a keeper at the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat.
"We opened as a tourist destination originally fourteen years ago and we've definitely moved more toward research and education and conservation. And so, it's really important that guests get along with that too.” said Baxendell.
Officials want the polar bears to get accustomed to being around people, not only to give the tourists a new type of experience, but also to help them with future research.
"We have vets and scientists and researchers that we'll be working with even more in the future, so it's important that our bears are comfortable, relaxed and that they find each of these experiences is a positive thing." said Baxendell.
One of the new experiences at the habitat is called the "keeper experience." It gives an in-depth look at feedings, training, and even some exciting play time.
"So they get a whole new connection with the animals and they have a whole new respect for them. And then the bear’s side of things, it's important they are comfortable with all types of people around them." said Baxendell.
Mary Walsh traveled from Sudbury to see the bears in action.
"They seemed to have made everything suitable for the bears. They got lots of water, lots of bush, and a lot of places to wander. We saw one over in the lake swimming. That's neat to see that they can do that." said Walsh.
Adrian Larrivee was visiting from Saskatchewan.
"Good living quarters here. Lots of room, lots of water to play in. Look at him walk!" said Larrivee and chuckles.
When people come to see polar bears Henry, Ganuk and Inukshuk, it's important visitors allow themselves enough time.
The bears are free to roam in their large enclosures; the biggest one is 13 acres with a natural lake.
When you do spot one, guaranteed it's something you won't soon forget.
