10.7.2022 by Ralph Morton
Wednesday 29 June was a big day for Flocke’s boys. They had arrived the previous day at Project Polar One. Now it was time to let them out onto the third and newest of the three enclosures. The quarantine centre is part of an elaborate system of tunnels which connect the enclosures, dens and quarantine enclosure.
If you look closely you can see Indie entering the tunnel from the quarantine enclosure.
The Rangers realised that it was a “big ask” for Indie to move through the tunnels on his own without mum Flocke.
Polar Bears like cream so a little cream would lead Indy through the tunnels.
Indie kept going forward a little and then sometimes going back. He was very cautious.
The journey through to the enclosure went at Indie’s pace.
Watching a young Polar Bear take on a new challenge was gripping. Indie moved forward.
Then Indie was outside on the enclosure. Looking whiter than the other males he was very distinctive.
Doesn’t he look like Flocke and Raspi?
Indie was soon walking along the edge of his new home.
Yuma had begun his own journey through the tunnels. Cream was on hand to encourage him.
Indie soon returned to the entrance. I am always surprised at how quickly Polar Bears can cover distances without running just ambling along.
It was not long before Indie was gardening in his new home.
It was not long before Yuma joined Indie in exploring the enclosure.
Nearly two years after I had first seen them at Marineland Antibes I was watching Flocke’s boys here in England.
Meanwhile Luka was making himself comfortable in the quarantine enclosure.
It had been a great last day of my visit. Like the Okapi in my last picture I was feeling hungry.
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