Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat, Ontario, August

We are not normally fans of zoos, but we stopped at the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat, in Cochrane, Ontario, as we headed towards Ottawa. The habitat was the idea of the city council some years ago, and exists to support (primarily) orphaned polar bears. The closest polar bears are in James Bay, north of Cochrane. There was one bear in residence, Ganuk. We were very lucky to see Ganuk playing with his "enrichment" toy next to the wire -- which was a plastic carton that earlier had had food tucked away inside. We were able to get very close. The bears have three large habitats and seem well cared for. So, an exception to the no-zoo policy!