27.4.2023 – Source: Tierpark Hagenbeck, Hamburg
FINALLY! We have some great news to share with you! It’s a small sensation – the first polar bear cub in the polar sea of Hagenbeck Zoo. On the 19th of December 2022, lady polar bear Victoria gave birth to a healthy cub in the protection of her den. The first days after birth are critical for polar bear cubs, they are born almost naked, blind and deaf and weigh only around 900 grams.
“We are very happy about the first polar bear cub in the Arctic Ocean. For Hagenbeck, this offspring in the second generation is an enormous breeding success and proof that our breeding efforts for this endangered species are paying off,” Dr. Westhoff, Zoological Director at Hagenbeck, is delighted about this special offspring.
The last polar bear baby was Victoria herself, who was born at Hagenbeck in 2002. Now the 21-year-old polar bear lady has become a mother for the first time and has been very caring and loving towards her newborn since the first minute. Via a camera that monitors the birthing den of the carnivores, keepers and veterinarians can monitor Victoria’s behaviour.
It is not yet clear when visitors will be able to see the offspring. In the coming days, a monitor will be installed at the polar bear enclosure so that all visitors can observe the cub inside the enclosure.
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