Polar bear sculpture unveiled at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo

Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo welcomed two more polar bears on Friday, but this pairrequiresvery little maintenance and will residein the front lobby.

Designed by Inuit artist Idris Moss Davies, the statue of a mother andcub was made inrecognition of the zoo's conservation efforts through itspolar bear rescue team.

The six-foot-tall structure is encased in glass and will collect donations in support of the rescue team and the ongoing care of the rescued polar bears that now call the zoo home.

"We're very pleased to accept this statue and have it as a permanent fixture here," said Margaret Redmond, CEO of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

"Not only is it a beautiful work of art, but it will help us raise awareness about polar bear conservation and engage our visitors to support the cause."