What a cutie... debut of Britain’s first polar bear cub for 25 years
THE first polar bear cub born in Britain for 25 years has finally emerged in public – almost three months after being born.
The birth had previously only been confirmed by high-pitched noises heard from mother Victoria’s den at the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig in Scotland.
But now the cub’s first venture outside has been caught on cameras that have been positioned outside the den since early February.
The cub was born before Christmas after Victoria mated with Arktos, one of two male polar bears at the park.
The cub’s sex is still to be revealed, with staff at the park hoping to name it in the coming weeks.
Una Richardson, head keeper for carnivores, explained: “Victoria had started to come outside by herself for short periods to eat, drink and roll around in the snow.
“So we knew her cub would follow soon but we couldn’t be sure when.
“I was visiting Victoria on Sunday morning to check she had fresh water and to continue slowly reintroducing food to her diet, after four months when she lived solely off the fat reserves she built up.
“Suddenly I saw a small, fluffy bundle next to her and had to pinch myself to check I wasn’t seeing things.
“It was a very special experience and one I’ll never forget.
“We also have motionsensitive cameras safely positioned near Victoria’s den and we were delighted to see we had captured her cub’s first few steps outside.
“We couldn’t be happier as this is the moment we have been working towards.
“Both mum and cub appear to be doing well, although this is still a sensitive time and they need as much peace and quiet as possible.”
Victoria’s enclosure will remain closed to the public until late March to ensure privacy.