28.4.2016 by Mervi and Vesa
On Wednesday morning (20th of April) the weather gods seemed to be in an extremely bad mood. It was cold and windy and very dark clouds were covering the sky. However, we have so seldom a chance to see polar bears so wild horses – let alone a lousy weather – couldn’t prevent us from going to the zoo.
When we came to the polar bears’ enclosure we found Fiete teaching the well known blue barrel a lesson.
Knock, knock – anybody home? Over and out!
Well, the barrel seems to be empty ….
While watching and admiring the playing Fiete we had a chat with a lady who also took lots of photos. She was Brigitte from Munich! It’s funny how we polar bear lovers instinctively know – or guess – who’s who when we meet in a zoo. 🙂 – Dear Brigitte, it was great to meet you. We hope you had a pleasant journey back home.
We’ve seen in Gisela’s reports the scenes with the blue barrel but it was something very special to witness it with our own eyes. Fiete was very focused but every now and then he looked at the visitors to make sure they were still there. 🙂 This ‘energy plant’ really deserves a standing ovation!
The big toy is, of course, very interesting but there was something even more interesting ….. Suddenly Fiete abandoned the barrel and hurried ‘upstairs’ – followed by Vilma. Now we noticed what had caught their attention. A keeper was throwing fruit and veggies to the bears and best of all – he even threw the cardboard boxes!
The snacks seemed to be very welcome.
Naturally, even the crows wanted to have their fair share of the yammies.
And now it was time for the box show!
The box makes a nice hat – very practical if you want to protect your hairdo in the rain!
I guess Vilma was as amused by Fiete’s games as we were. Earlier she had been walking again but now she had totally forgotten the stereo type behaviour. Doctor Fiete did the trick!!
Obviously a cardboard box can also serve as a ‘teddy’. It was wonderful to see Fiete was cuddling and caressing the box.
The box began to look rather worn out but our bear boy didn’t care.
He carried it around in the enclosure ….
…. and finally decided it was time for a nap.
Even Vilma had a short beauty nap.
Fiete used the box – what was left of it – as a pillow.
All of a sudden the wind threw the ‘pillow” away but fast as a lightning Fiete ran after it and brought it back. Everything happened so quickly that we hardly realized what happened. 🙂 After the rescue operation Fiete fell asleep again.
When the mother and the son were sleeping we went to meet Vienna. She was busy with her morning toilette washing her face with the paws. It looked so wonderful that we just had to watch without taking photos.
The old lady even took a short swimming tour!
I’m sure I heard Vienna say: ‘A lady must take care of her appearance but now I’m ready to face this day!’
Dear Vienna, you sure look smashing. I hope I will get old with the same grace and elegance!
Excuse me, I have to retire for a moment …..
A few minutes later we found Vienna in the brown bears’ old enclosure. She has now access to two enclosures which offers her plenty of space.
By this time Vilma was already awake stepping elegantly towards us.
What a beautiful polar bear lady she is!
We were glad to see that yesterday’s ‘walking’ was forgotten and Vilma presented herself in all her glory!
Two polar bears – the whiter bear is Vilma. 🙂 🙂 🙂 And her hairdo is much better than mine!
Fiete was still visiting the Napland and we just admired our beautiful friend. It was so peaceful …. watching Fiete brought back memories from the times when we were watching the sleeping Knuti for hours.
Before our trip we had contacted the zoo with some questions. We received a kind answer from Frau Zepplin with a promise we would meet a keeper by Vilma and Fiete in the afternoon. We were looking forward to a little chat …..
We knew there wouldnd’t be a public feeding this time of the year but to our great surprise a keeper – René Schoknecht – came with two buckets. One was filled with fish and the other contained two ice bombs! The feeding was especially for us!!
Frau Vilma had no intention to jump into the water but expected the yammies to be thrown to her – preferably right into her mouth. 🙂 It’s really fantastic to see this lady in action. She’s not only a skilful thrower – she’s a master catcher as well!
She carried her ice bomb to a safe place – at least she thought so ….
Although Vilma still has the ‘Winter appetite’ she ate all the fish and even the whole ice bomb.
Fiete didn’t mind catching the fish in the water but even he brought his ice bomb to the ‘table’.
Hey, the ice bomb is gone! Where did it go? – Just kidding, I know it’s in my belly! 🙂
Aha, mama still has something left …. maybe I could have a teeny weeny bite, too …..
There was a loud discussion about the food. Vilma made it quite clear she wasn’t willing to share her food with Fiete.
It’s obvious that Fiete has great respect for his mother and immediately accepted ‘no’for an answer. Well, it was worth a try anyway. Fiete walked away and started doing some balance exercises.
We were, of course, very grateful for this extra feeding but there was more to come ….
When Mr Schoknecht asked if we were interested to visit the ‘back stage’ of the polar bears’ enclosure I didn’t believe my ears but had to ask him to repeat what he just said. And yes, yes, yes – he DID invite us to the backstage!! Oh bear, I nearly fainted ….. 🙂
When Mr Schoknecht called Fiete and Vilma they both ran in and there was a ‘Stau’ at the door when they both tried to get in at the same time. There was even a little argument – both wanted to be number one.
The lock looks interesting. I wonder if I can figure out how to open it.
It’s impossible to express in words the feeling we had standing so close to our giant friends. And they really are giants!! Their furs looked wonderfully fluffy – much better than seen from the distance.
We saw it all so close! The cute ears, the velvet eyes, the licorice nose, white shiny fur and the impressive paws.
We witnessed a very funny scene when Fiete ran out and came back with the remains of the cardboard box. He gave it to Mr Schoknecht and expected him to return it to him. It was incredible to see this interaction between the bear and the keeper!
This game made us think of our cats Mimmi and Nalle. They have lots of toys but a paper back or a cardboard box are their favourites. It looks like young polar bears share this interest …. 🙂
In the Winter time when the toys are frozen under the ice this kind of games are perfect entertainment for Fiete – and I’m sure the keepers love it, too.
The bears are allowed to go in and out as they choose and indoors they have possibility to have their own room. There used to be five polar bears at one time in the zoo so there’s plenty of place for these three bears.
Even Vienna came to present herself so we could have a close look at her, too.
Vienna looked so gentle and friendly but Mr Schoknecht told us she’s a very determined lady with a mind of her own when needed.
Vesa was so charmed by Vienna that I almost got jealous! 🙂 Of course, it’s easy to understand everybody loves this beautiful super mama/grandma!
I had to pinch my arm several times to make sure I wasn’t just having a wonderful dream. This was a dream come true but even happy true dreams have an end and it was time to wawe goodbye to our wonderful friends in Rostock.
We would have loved to shake this paw but I guess it was wiser not to do that! 🙂
As you can imagine the second day in the Rostock zoo was much more than we had expected! Our special thanks to Mr René Schonknecht who made this day so special and unforgettable. Danke, Danke, Danke!!!
We will also thank Frau Zepplin for all her help.
There will be even a third report with other animals in the Rostock Zoo – a zoo really worth visiting!
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