The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat continues to be a big tourist attraction.
However, those who run the operation are now ready to put more focus on research as well.
The polar bears continue to wow humans visiting their habitat, including tourists like the Wongs from London, England.
"They're very fascinating. I've never seen them before." said Ooi Wong.
"We heard so much about polar bears, we wanted to get a firsthand experience." said Michael Wong.
They're also meeting the new bears, Eddy and Taiga, who are staying in Cochrane while their zoo in Quebec is being renovated.
Over the past 15 years, the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat has attracted many tourists, but Executive Director Michael Honeth say ticket sales are not enough.
"We have always had a deficit every single year since we started, and the community, through the municipality, the Town of Cochrane, has always supported us with the balance. So, I'm here to bring us to a more financially self-sufficient status." said Honeth.
He is the habitat's new leader who's worked the past 10 years monitoring coral reefs.
"So, I can apply everything we've been studying in the tropics on climate change and use the research we get out of the habitat here to help back up both sides of the story of climate change globally." said Honeth.
His expertise will help shift the focus of this centre, making it more recognizable as a place to educate and learn over entertain.
Bear Keeper Dylan McCart says the research capabilities at the facility are numerous and unique.
"We're able to voluntarily get blood from our bears in a non-stressful method and with that we get a lot of information that you wouldn't be able to get anywhere else in the world." said McCart.
He adds, the habitat has recently taken part in a couple of studies that have never been done before.
One involving feeding the bears seaweed to understand their digestive systems better, and two, a thermal imagery project using drones to get an understanding of polar bear populations in remote locations.
Officials say a recent $70,000 funding boost from FedNor will allow the habitat to be even more accessible for researchers.
"Hopefully in the future we're able to open up those opportunities by possibly providing accommodations on site; more advanced equipment to be able to do research, like a laboratory area." said McCart.
This summer will also see the first international volunteer program get underway.
Students will pay to learn and work at the polar bear habitat, furthering the organization’s goals to educate and increase revenue.
