Polar bear baby born at Hagenbeck in Hamburg: “Small sensation”

“Small sensation” in Hamburg
Tierpark Hagenbeck is happy about the offspring of its polar bears

Great joy at Tierpark Hagenbeck in Hamburg: As the zoo announced on Thursday, polar bear Victoria gave birth to a young on December 19, 2022. The zoo described the birth of the still nameless baby bear as a “small sensation”. In 2002, the new mother herself was the last polar bear cub to be born near Hagenbeck. The zoo did not provide any information about the gender.

“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,” Hagenbeck’s Zoological Director Guido Westhoff is quoted as saying.

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Polar bears have spent the last few months undisturbed in their den

According to the zoo, the mother and young animal spent the first few months undisturbed in their cave. The first few days are particularly critical for newborn polar bears, it said. The animals are born almost naked, blind and deaf and weigh only around 900 grams. Animal keepers and veterinarians can monitor the behavior and condition of the bears via camera. Only recently did the staff make contact for the first time. “The first impression of the young animal is consistently positive, it seems healthy, lively and alert,” says Westhoff.

It is not yet certain when the offspring will be shown live to visitors. In the near future, however, a monitor at the polar bear enclosure will offer the opportunity for first impressions. However, the little bear has to do without his dad. Polar bear man Kap will leave Hagenbeck to give Victoria and her cub more space.

Source:Hagenbeck

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