The city already known as Winnie the Pooh's hometown has earned another "beary" special distinction: Polar Bears International is moving its global headquarters to Winnipeg.

The non-profit organization, which dedicates itself to the conservation of polar bears, was founded in 1992 by Canadian wildlife photographer Dan Guravich.

The organization's website currently lists a California address, but much of its operations so far have been virtual. Some of its programs include conservation-themed leadership camps and a polar bear webcam in Churchill — the one town where the bears actually do roam.

When PBI comes to Winnipeg, its offices will initially be located beside the Partners in the Park office in Assiniboine Park.

"Given that this organization has been primarily virtual, the costs are going to be minimal as far as office," Irene Merie, executive director of Partners in the Park, said Thursday.

Polar Bear International's presence in the park could bring "tremendous tourism opportunities" to the city, Merie said.

"People coming through to Churchill need to stop in Winnipeg, and we can hopefully tie in some programming that will give them a reason to stay in Winnipeg for a while," she said.

"But moreover, there's going to be lots of research activity. And what our intention is to do is to work with Polar Bears International to create a state-of-the-art polar bear education centre where there will be live broadcasts and education, basically broadcast around the world from Winnipeg."

Premier Gary Doer said Wednesday the province would match $75,000 in private funding that will be donated to Polar Bears International for the move.