As you no doubt have already heard, there was a big loss at the Saskatoon Zoo last month. Koda the grizzly bear had to be euthanized after having issues with his back legs. He was 21 and spent 18 of those years at the Saskatoon Zoo with his adopted brother, Mistaya. Both had been found as cubs without their mothers and they both would have perished had they not been rescued.
He was taken to the Edmonton Valley Zoo and then it was in Calgary that he was paired with Mistaya. The staff are now keeping a close eye on Mistaya, knowing that he will be missing Koda. It’s at this point I must admit something …….. I always thought Mistaya was female! I guess I figured the name Mistaya seemed girl-like and just went with it. Sorry Mistaya, and my condolences to all the Zoo staff and supporters who are missing Koda. You can add your condolences in front of the bear habitat. The two Koda pictures were supplied by the Saskatoon Zoo.
A running theme when I last visited the Saskatoon Zoo was sleepy residents. Below you’ll find a sleepy kunekune (pronounced cooney cooney) pig, a bison, some geese and a prairie dog which is trying not to sleep, but with its head on the log, how long will he/she last? Too cute for words.
If you have a business that would like to support the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation or if you would like to donate as a family or individual or as a memorial to someone, there are many opportunities. The Zoo has benches, picnic tables, habitats and spaces that can all be sponsored, and there are some gorgeous spots at the Zoo. Have a look for yourself!
I have two more pictures to show you because they make me smile and I hope they will make you smile too. The first is the lemurs. I have been told they are a mom, dad and their offspring. Look at the way one of them is cuddling with the other. My bet is it’s the mom and “child”. The second picture is duck butt. It has probably been a year since I used a shot of geese or ducks fishing with butts in the air. Enjoy!
A reminder, the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation raises funds for capital projects and improvements for the zoo. Click here to donate. Donate – Saskatoon Zoo Foundation
Your Saskatoon Zoo Foundation blogger,
Carol Thomson
