Remembering Baffin

Profile

Timeline

1. April 10, 1993 Move Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens Source
2. March 2, 2011 Move Tennoji Zoo Source
3. June 13, 2016 Move Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens Source
4. March 20, 2026 Passed away Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens Source

Records

Born December 9, 1991, at Kolmarden Zoo in Sweden as one of triplets. She arrived at Hamamatsu Zoo on April 10, 1993. She moved to Tennoji Zoo for breeding on March 2, 2011, and gave birth to the female Momo on November 25, 2014, at the age of 22.

While raising her cub at Tennoji Zoo she showed a high-strung side, but she cared for Momo devotedly, tossing toys into the pool to teach her to swim. On June 13, 2016, she returned to Hamamatsu Zoo with her daughter Momo.

Her death was confirmed on the morning of March 20, 2026, at Hamamatsu Zoo. At 34, she was the second-oldest polar bear ever kept in Japan. Hamamatsu Zoo's official X account announced, 'This morning, Baffin the polar bear died. The cause of death is currently under investigation,' and the necropsy findings pointed to liver failure. Her daughter Momo has given birth and raised a cub at Oga Aquarium GAO, so Baffin also has a grandcub.

Family

• ChildMomo

FAQ

What happened to Baffin?

Baffin passed away on March 20, 2026. This page preserves the individual’s record in memoriam.

When was Baffin born?

Baffin was born December 9, 1991.

What does Baffin’s record tell us?

Baffin has a record at Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens; the death was recorded on March 20, 2026.

See Polar Bear records and FAQ