Sea World polar bear Henry heads to Canada

Sea World Polar Bear ‘Henry’ is set to leave his home at the Gold Coast theme park to relocate to Canada, where he will play an integral role in an international Polar Bear conservation and breeding program.

The move to the world-class Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat in Canada marks the next step in Henry’s development with his new home being the only bear facility in the world dedicated solely to Polar bears and features exceptional animal care standards, educational programs, research partnerships and is an internationally respected centre. Despite moving to the Cochrane facility, Henry will remain a part of Sea World’s Polar bear population with the Polar bear team continuing to have a role in his ongoing care.

Henry’s journey to Canada is being made with the assistance of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), with Henry due to fly from the Gold Coast to Sydney in a RAAF C-130J Hercules aircraft.

Sea World’s Director of Marine Sciences, Trevor Long explained “it is a wonderful opportunity that we have been able to align Henry’s trip to Sydney with a RAAF routine flying operation. The flight is sure to be an enriching experience for Henry as well as the air crew, so we thank them for their assistance.

“From Sydney, Henry will then continue on his journey to the Cochrane facility. Sea World staff will care for and monitor Henry during his travels with the experienced team successfully transporting a number of Polar Bears around the world using the same method.

“We have chosen the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat as they share the same dedication and standards as Sea World to the conservation, care and well-being of Polar bears and is the perfect place for Henry to continue his development.”

RAAF Hercules pilot, Flight Lieutenant Conan Brett, said that it is a fantastic opportunity to be able to combine routine flying operations with such a special event as relocating Henry.

Flight Lieutenant Brett stated “usually we transport cargo or Defence personnel, so (this) is a very special opportunity to put our training to a unique use. I’ve flown thousands of passengers, but Henry will certainly be the most interesting passenger I have ever flown.”

Sea World’s Polar Bears are ambassadors for their species and play a vital role in raising awareness of the effects of global warming. Current research indicates that Polar bear numbers in the wild are declining, with between 20,000 and 25,000 bears remaining worldwide.

Henry was born at the Gold Coast theme park in 2013, the first Polar Bear to be born at Sea World.

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