The bear used on the show is a real 27-year-old Kodiak bear (native to Alaska), named Ursula. She's been featured on multiple television and film productions.
The penguins on the show flew using West Jet airlines and travel with their trainer and handler.
Tux was played by not one, but two, African penguins (named Dayo and Skadu). The pair of penguins were borrowed and flown in from West Edmonton Mall's Sea Life Caverns.
The series was shot in the town of Parry Sound, Ontario, including the Boston-set scenes. All 10 episodes were shot within a four month stretch.
A massive 17,000-acre wildfire north of Parry Sound, caused by a disabled ATV unrelated to the series, kept area residents, tourists, as well as the cast and crew on their toes throughout the entire shoot. The fire was later declared extinguished in the fall.