On February 27, 2026, the tour operator Churchill Wild in Churchill, Manitoba, marked International Polar Bear Day by launching a new project called The Bears Who Shape Us. This initiative focuses on local wildlife history and ethical travel practices to help protect animals ahead of the upcoming 2026 tour season.
A major part of the campaign tells the story of Warrior Pete, a well-known male polar bear who spent his final days near the Seal River Heritage Lodge. To support this educational effort, frequent guests Christoph and Fabienne Jansen released a series of children’s books titled Siku and Pete and Siku’s Quest, which use storytelling to explain the life cycle of bears to younger readers.
This local work fits into a global push by Polar Bears International to protect mothers and their cubs in their winter dens. By sharing these personal stories of individual animals, the organizers aim to move away from dry statistics and help visitors build a real connection with the Arctic environment.
The update also marks the start of the 2026 travel season, including the Nanuk Emergence Quest and the Cloud Wolves of the Kaska Coast safaris. Local groups and businesses can use these new resources to help with conservation education and booking preparations for the busy summer and fall months.
