7.6.2025 – Photos by Arkadi Laptenko
Morning has broken in the Novosibirsk Zoo so Gerda and Umka came out of their ‘bedroom’.
Mama, you always check my teeth so now it’s my turn to make sure you’ve brushed your teeth properly!
OK, my son but I’m checking your ears. We must be presentable for our fans.
Shall we have breakfast now?
Little Umka can eat solid food but, of course, mama’s milk bar is his favourite restaurant. 🙂
Let’s take a nice swimming tour!
Umka loves to swim and he’s already a skilful diver, too. What grace! What elegance!
Hitch hiking on mama’s back in the water is very fun! You should try it …. well, I know you haven’t got a big and strong mama like I have! 🙂
Even papa Kai was enjoying the wet element. Funny how the colour of the water is green here when it’s blue in Gerda’s and Umka’s pool ….
It’s a nice tradition in the Novosibirsk Zoo to create an ‘Arctic corner’ for the polar bears in the Summer season.
How wonderful it is to have Summer and Winter at the same time!
Oh bear, I have forgotten something ….
Heureka! I remembered now! I want to thank you for watching and assure you that we will be back soon!
Now mama and I will have a nice nap! Please, don’t disturb!
Herzlichsten Dank für diese allerliebsten Bilder,eigentlich müsste da das Eis schmelzen! 😉😍💓💓 So ein herziges Bübchen!
Diese Tradition mit der Eislieferung im Sommer sollte zum Standard in allen Zoos werden, vor allem wegen der schneearmen Winter.
Die Fotos sind excellent, vielen Dank!
Ergänzung: auch in schneearmen Wintermonaten!
Dear Arkadi!
It must be wonderful to watch these tender moments between Gerda and Umka. A pile of snow in summer is always a good thing for polar bears and a real treat. I agree with Britta-Gudrun that this should be standard practice in polar bear care, at least from time to time!
Thank you for these brilliant photos!
Hugs
Anke
Ja Gerda und der kleine Umka lassen zwar nicht den “Sommer-Schnee”, sondern unsere Herzen schmelzen…🐻❄️🐻❄️😊
Mervi hat die so schönen Fotos wieder einmal mit den perfekten Worten unterlegt!😊👍
Papa Kai dürfte die Farbe des Wassers egal sein, Hauptsache er kann sich abkühlen und bewegen!🐻❄️👍🤗