Genie the Black Bear Emerges from Winter Slumber at Ecomuseum
In a welcome sign that spring is approaching, Genie, a black bear residing at the Ecomuseum Zoo in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, has officially awakened from her winter hibernation. The event, which occurred on Thursday, March 19, 2026, marks a seasonal milestone celebrated by zoo staff and visitors alike.
A Groggy Awakening
Nathalie Jreidini, the zoo's director of education, described Genie's post-hibernation state as "a little lazier and a little groggy." She emphasized that this day is traditionally viewed as the beginning of springtime at the facility, symbolizing the renewal of life and activity in the natural world.
Zookeepers had initially planned to release the 15-year-old bear from her indoor den on Tuesday, after observing increased activity levels over the weekend. However, Genie had other ideas. Upon waking to frigid wind chills and a fresh coating of ice from a brief rainstorm, she simply rolled over and returned to sleep for another day.
The First Meal
On Thursday, amid light snowfall, Genie was seen pacing at the door to her three-season enclosure. Keepers prepared the area with straw and an assortment of treats. As soon as the door opened, she made a beeline for the straw pathway and eagerly pawed at the food laid out for her.
As a vegetarian with a noted fondness for ice cream, Genie opted to start her first meal with a cleanse of vegetables. She picked up a head of lettuce and began chomping away, much to the delight of reporters and school groups who snapped photos of the moment.
Understanding Bear Hibernation
Jreidini explained that black bears are not true hibernators. They remain somewhat active during winter, with females even giving birth. Their emergence from dens is driven by environmental cues, particularly warmer weather that signals the growth of vegetation and availability of food in the wild.
"It is really based on environmental conditions that affect the availability of food," Jreidini said. "Once there is warmer weather, it means vegetation will start growing, so it's time to come out."
Stimulating Activities and Hibernation Patterns
Zookeepers left out Genie's favorite foods, including grapes, apples, avocados, lettuce, and carrots. Some items were placed in PVC pipes to stimulate her natural foraging instincts, encouraging her to work for her meal.
Genie entered hibernation on November 26, three days later than the previous year, and spent a total of 113 days in that state. Last year, she emerged on the same date, resulting in a 116-day hibernation period. In the 2023-24 season, her slumber lasted just 99 days.
Visitor Opportunities
Now that Genie has awakened, visitors to the Ecomuseum Zoo can observe her in her enclosure. On weekends, the zoo hosts special activities where guests can help prepare food for the animals, including the beloved black bear.
This annual event not only delights onlookers but also serves as an educational opportunity to learn about bear behavior, hibernation cycles, and wildlife conservation efforts in a controlled environment.
