The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat in Ontario, Canada, held a “sweet 16” birthday party for a polar bear named Ganuk, complete with an oversized driver’s license. The party featured a large toy car stuffed with tropical fruit, a pumpkin-based birthday cake, and wrapped gift boxes loaded with snacks. Refuge staff created the oversized driver’s license, which Ganuk promptly shredded and turned into a comfy napping spot. Amy Baxendell-Young, Manager of the Animal Care Team, said 16 is a big birthday for a polar bear. “In the wild, especially for males, that would be getting toward the end of life,” said Amy. With human care, it’s common for polar bears to live into their early to mid-20s. Ganuk is fully grow and is expected to celebrate many more birthdays at the bear habitat.
