The BC Wildlife Park is officially back open!
According to the park, as of today, they are open daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm. A number of preventative measures have been put in place for staff, as well as guests.
Those looking to visit the park will need to maintain physical distancing and thoroughly wash hands. If you are feeling unwell, you are urged to stay away from the park.
In addition to reopening, the park has begun the slow process of a face-to-face introduction on the bear exhibit.
Last year, "Tuk," a rescued Black Bear, was moved into the 2.65-acre habitat with Clover the Kermode Bear. They spent the summer and fall alternating their time on the exhibit and denned in different areas during the winter.
Recently, interactions between the two bears have been successful, with improvements happening in each session.
"Every introduction is strategically and meticulously planned by the Animal Care team," wrote the park. "For the introduction between Clover and Tuk, their primary keeper Dannielle, along with Animal Care Manager Tracy, Veterinary Technologist Paige, and secondary keeper Ardice, have observed each bear’s behaviour for an extended length of time."
"It is important to remember that although in human care, these bears are still wild animals that exhibit natural behaviours, therefore, introductions must be done slowly and thoughtfully."
Over time, the bears are expected to become more comfortable with each other and stay on the exhibit together.
During this intro period, the park is unable to guarantee which bear the public will see.
