Winnipeg zoo buddies: Sean Ellis and Hudson the polar bear

He started at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo as a security guard, and now he works with Hudson the polar bear, one of the zoo's stars. Sean Ellis is living a childhood dream.

Ellis, 37, says he's always wanted to work with animals. He started his journey to becoming a zookeeper when he was just 17 years old.

These days, he spends his days with Hudson, one of thepolar bears at the zoo's Journey to Churchill exhibit.

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Ellis even taught Prince Charles how to feed to big bear during a royal visit to Winnipeg in May.

CBC videographer Sara Calnek recently caught up with Ellis and Hudson at the zoo. Click on the video player to watch the full story.