Happy birthday to you, dear Sisu!

25.11.2025 by Mervi

25.11.2022 by Mervi, Photos by Marko Junttila

The 25th of November 2016 was a happy day in the Ranua Wildlife Park. Polar bear lady Venus gave birth to a tiny cub. The park announced the news only in January when the cub had made it through the first critical weeks. What a happy day that was for me!

Today you are exactly 10 years old. Time flies faster than I want ….

The cub was a boy and in mid March Venus decided to present her precious baby to the media and to the visitors.

Sisu was immediately very interested in the surroundings. In this photo it seems that he’s checking that the walls of the enclosure are strong enough. 🙂

It was snowing during Sisu’s first outing so Venus had a perfect timing for the presentation of her son.

The little fur ball immediately charmed everybody and I certainly fell in love with this sweetie pie.

Cuter than cute!

Living in Ranua in north of Finland Sisu could enjoy the snow until late May.

He made snow balls that were almost bigger than him. 🙂

Tender moments with mama in the Winter ….

…. and in the Summer

The ice was thick enough to carry the weight of a polar bear. When this photo was taken Sisu already looked quite impressive ….

…. but still a cute little cubbie! I love those paws!

This photo is one my absolute favourites. The snow on the licorice nose – isn’t that cute!

Salmon is a polar bear’s best friend – next to mama, of course …. 🙂

The long Winter in Ranua is very suitable for polar bears.

What a beautiful photo of a mother and her son!

Sisu grew bigger and bigger and so the day came when it was time for Venus to kiss her son goodbye.

In mid December 2020 Sisu left Ranua and came to the Yorkshire Wildlife park. I’m very glad he found a good home and loving keepers (rangers) there. Thanks to Ralph, Sheila, Philip and Pat I’m still able to follow my Sisu’s life.