SASKATOON — Saskatoon Zoo were fully pre-beared for with all hands on deck, as absorbed in the excitement and enthusiasm that was evident throughout the venue for the bear-thday party. There wasn’t an unhappy face throughout the venue as hundreds turned out to Saskatoon Zoo July 23 to celebrate with the party animals.
Koda and Mistaya were treated like royalty with more than the bear necessities as cake, peanut butter and fruit sensations were part of their party treats. A large birthday banner surrounded the front of their enclosure and decorations inside the bear’s zoo habitat also accented the bear-thday party.
Crowds roared with excitement watching the un-bearably cute big bear duo munching, crunching and mushing their birthday cuisine.
Some attendees said July 23 arrival concerns arose with Attridge construction, long car lineups getting in, packed parking lots, large puddles from recent rains and more lineups at entry gate, but those worries were quickly eliminated when they arrived at the bear enclosure for the sun-soaked party atmosphere.
Zoo Manager, Jeff Mitchell told SaskToday, “The turnout was what we hoped for. People love the bears, and it’s fabulous sharing their excitement about the bears. A 20th birthday is a big, big deal and big milestone.”
Mitchell shared his excitement and enthusiasm about the new bear exhibit that has now started the design phase. Signs throughout the zoo encourage people to donate to the $21M budgeted new bear enclosure project.
“We treated Koda and Mistaya today with special birthday treats like watermelon. Zookeepers also created special birthday cakes made of fish, fruit, plants and loads of yummy tastes, all frozen in a barrel of ice for the perfect cake. The bears love it,” adds Mitchell.
Mitchell’s party presentation included talk of Saskatoon Zoo getting these two orphaned bears a number of years ago. He also reviewed the Saskatoon Zoo Society’s special behind the scene tours now being offered, with more details on their website.
“It’s just a great day all around as we are excited the bears are healthy and doing wonderful. These bears normally live 15-18 years in the wild and Koda and Mistaya are expected to live to 28-30 years of age. Today’s excitement and crowds doesn’t work them up as they are focused on their food, like any good bear does. We are excited for the new exhibit to give them more space.”
Koda was seen throughout the event playing with his birthday cake while Mistaya was thoroughly enjoying the peanut butter and fruit.
The Saskatoon Zoo actually marked an entire week from July 21-27 to celebrate the milestone of their venue’s grizzly bears.
Guests were encouraged to sign a giant birthday card, to explore grizzly bear facts and displays, talk with zookeepers who are tasked with engaging sessions with grizzly bears and conservation. As well, a scavenger hunt, with bear themed clues encouraged guest to learn fun facts about grizzles as well as find other amazing animals around the zoo.
Zoo staff helped share the fun with guests as Timbits and people birthday cake were served to attendees.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to celebrate two incredible animals who have touched the hearts of so many,” said Zoo Manager Jeff Mitchell. “We’re excited to share their story, offer fun family activities, and look ahead to what’s next for Mistaya and Koda.”
Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo for full event details.
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