Victoria the Polar Bear gave birth earlier this year
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland have announced that their female polar bear Victoria has given birth today at the Highland Wildlife Park.
It is the first time a polar bear cub has been born in the UK for 25 years.
Staff at Highland Wildlife Park, at Kincraig near Kinguissie, confirmed the birth having heard distinct high-pitched sounds from Victoria’s maternity den.
Una Richardson, the park’s Head Keeper responsible for carnivores, said, “It’s an outstanding achievement which will have interest across the world.
“We first heard promising noises in the week before Christmas continuing into the New Year.
“Because we don’t have sight inside her cubbing box we can’t be sure if Victoria has had more than one cub but we can confirm the birth.
“We will continue to monitor Victoria and very much hope for the best possible news when she emerges around March.”
Victoria’s enclosure will be closed to the public and keeper activity will be at a minimum to give her offspring every chance of survival.
‘An outstanding achievement’ as first polar bear born in UK for 25 years
