From Muppet Wiki

Basil is a cheerful polar bear and star of Sesame Park. Along with Dodi and Louis, Basil was one of the three original Canadian Muppets, beginning in the period when the program was simply known as "Canadian Sesame Street."

Despite his deep voice, Basil was originally the most child-like of the characters, having difficulty dressing himself, and the most curious. He struggled to learn French from his bilingual friend Louis. Basil starred in the Canadian Sesame Street special, Basil Hears a Noise, though he shared the spotlight with special guest Elmo.