Calgary Zoo grizzly bear escapes enclosure

A one-year-old grizzly bear named Fitz briefly escaped his enclosure at the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo on Sunday morning, August 16, 2026. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m., approximately 90 minutes before the zoo was scheduled to open to the public.

Zoo officials activated emergency response procedures immediately, involving animal health, security, and the Calgary Police Service. Fitz was successfully immobilized and safely returned to his back-of-house space. No injuries were reported among guests, staff, volunteers, or other animals.

While the zoo opened to the public shortly after 9 a.m., the Wild Canada section where the bear is housed remained temporarily closed for a full assessment. The area reopened later that afternoon. Zoo officials stated they are reviewing the circumstances of the escape as part of their post-incident procedures.