New polar bear makes debut at Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Yelle, a 20-year-old male polar bear, is seen in an undated photo. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout)

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo says its new polar bear can now be seen by visitors.

Yellé the polar bear arrived from Quebec in mid March, but had to complete a quarantine before being allowed into the polar bear habitat.

“He’s been busy exploring his new home, sniffing everything in sight and making a splash in the pool,” the zoo said in a Thursday social media post.

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The 20-year-old male bear hasn’t yet met follow zoo polar bear Siku.

Officials say they’re letting them get to know one another through sounds and scents first.

“Our animal care, health and welfare team is giving Yellé time to settle in before beginning gradual introductions,” the zoo said. “The first step will allow the bears to see each other through a protective barrier.”

The zoo had previously been home to two polar bears, but one, seven-year-old Baffin, died in 2024 after suffering a injury to his trachea while sparring with Siku in the pool in the polar bear enclosure.