Polar Bear 'Baffin' Dies After Rough Play With Companion Bear 'Siku' At Calgary Zoo: 'Will Leave A Hole In Hearts..'

A polar bear has died following "rough play" with another polar bear at a Canadian zoo.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced on Tuesday, July 23, that Baffin, a 7-year-old male polar bear, died by drowning after suffering a "crushing injury" to his trachea 바카라� or windpipe 바카라� inflicted by Siku, an 8-year-old male polar bear, during play.

The zoo explained that Baffin likely "lost consciousness underwater due to the tracheal injury and subsequently drowned."

바카라�Although the necropsy results are conclusive about the cause of Baffin바카라�s death, they offer little solace to our team that loved Baffin so deeply,바카라� stated Colleen Baird, Director of Animal Care, Health & Welfare at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.

The necropsy revealed that Baffin was in 바카라�excellent physical condition바카라� prior to his death and showed no signs of 바카라�heat-related stress바카라� or hypothermia.

The zoo mentioned that Baffin and Siku had a long history as 바카라�habitat mates바카라� and enjoyed a 바카라�companionate relationship바카라� before their transfer to the Calgary Zoo from the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg. Baird noted that it was customary for the two polar bears to play together before the incident.

바카라�They displayed many natural polar bear behaviors, including playing daily in and out of the water,바카라� Baird stated. 바카라�The type and intensity of play on the day of the incident appeared to be no different than the type of play their caregivers witnessed from them on a daily basis.바카라�

The Calgary Zoo stated that Siku is being closely monitored by the zoo바카라�s Animal Care, Health & Welfare team following Baffin바카라�s death.

The zoo first announced the polar bear바카라�s passing on social media on Friday, July 19, writing, 바카라�We are truly heartbroken to share the devastating news of the sudden passing of Baffin.바카라� At that time, they explained that Baffin and Siku had been 바카라�sparring바카라� in the pool when Baffin went underwater and 바카라�did not resurface.바카라�

바카라�Although Baffin was with us for a short time, his passing will leave a hole in hearts across the zoo and our community," the zoo shared alongside a photo of the bear. They added that he will be "remembered" for his "endearing 바카라�teddy-bear바카라� face, his playful and curious nature, and his fondness for interacting with visitors during pool time.바카라�

바카라�His presence brought immense joy to our lives and he will be deeply missed by all," the zoo stated. They concluded their message by asking visitors to 바카라�please keep our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team in your thoughts as they navigate this challenging time" and "grieve the loss of such an incredibly special bear.바카라�