Everybody loves baby Umka

10.7.2026 – Source: Novosibirsk zoo, Photos by Arkadi Laptenko

This time the keepers tell us about their beloved baby bear Umka:

Umka is a bear cub you can’t help but fall in love with.

With a hearty appetite and a cheerful disposition, he explores the world the way only little ones do: with genuine interest and curiosity.

First he tried swimming for the first time—clumsily, doggy-style, in little hops, but with such enthusiasm that there was no doubt left: water is his element.

Very soon, he was already feeling right at home in it.

Umka is very charismatic: he’s always playing, never strays far from his mom …

…. and even manages to slyly snatch a treat from her.

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You can sense his personality—bold and a little mischievous.

He loves jumping onto the iceberg from the side — no other bear cubs have ever done that before.

Touch of frost in the Summer 🙂 The keepers want to make their animal friends comfortable even during hot days.

Some say he was named “Umka” for his quick wit, while others say it’s because of that very childlike spontaneity that so closely resembles a character from a beloved cartoon.

He embodies everything that has already made him so beloved: liveliness, curiosity, and that warm feeling he gives to everyone who watches him. ️