Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Polar bear cub born at Highland Wildlife Park
Pictured: A still image taken from CCTV footage of the cub asleep on it's mother.

CCTV footage captured the new arrival sleeping.

A polar bear cub has been born at Highland Wildlife Park, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has announced.

Staff first heard high-pitched cub noises on Tuesday 14 December, and confirmed that mum Victoria had given birth. 

Vickie Larkin, carnivore team leader at Highland Wildlife Park, commented on the new arrival: “This is a tremendous occasion which is a testament to our team’s hard-work. 

“While we are excited about the new arrival, we are not celebrating quite yet as the first few weeks of a polar bear’s life is critical, with potential immune system complications and mum’s need for privacy during this time our top priority.”

The cub's parents, Arktos and Victoria, previously had a cub in 2017 called Hamish, who was the UK's first polar bear cub in 25 years. 

“We were hopeful Victoria and Arktos would produce another cub when they were reintroduced for the breeding season in February,” Vickie continued.

“She is a very attentive mother and we’re pleased to say they are both doing well so far. We will not know if the little one is a boy or girl until we are able to perform health checks in the spring and they will be named shortly after.

“Polar bears are born blind and do not open their eyes until they are a month old. At the moment, the youngster is about a foot long and weighs roughly the same as a guinea pig.” 

 

Image (C) RZSS

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

New RCVS Academy courses to remove barriers in vet care

News Story 1
 The RCVS Academy has launched two courses to its new client support series, as it seeks to improve accessibility in veterinary settings.

The courses will help professionals to support assistance dog partnerships and clients with hearing loss.

The Hearing loss and Assistance dogs courses saw RCVS project lead Catherine Hemingway collaborate with the British Deaf Association and Assistance Dogs UK. Vets will gain practical guidance on supporting clients with additional needs.

Each course takes an hour to complete, and can be accessed by RCVS registrants for free. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.