2.9.2018 by Ralph
First thing in the morning will either find the family resting after a busy night or early morning session, but sometimes they are still playing in the lower pool. The large viewing panels are easily and quickly reached from the rest of the enclosure.
First thing in the morning will either find the family resting after a busy night or early morning session, but sometimes they are still playing in the lower pool. The large viewing panels are easily and quickly reached from the rest of the enclosure.
Unlike in Zoo am Meer, the panels in some cases allow the bears to be seen both above and under water. This shot of the family in the water with their toys and the range of the enclosure is unequalled in any European Zoo.
Twigs and leaves are a delight for all polar bears. I always wonder why some zoos do not make more use of them. Anyone for a Polar Bear cocktail?
The paws are a reminder that this lady can do real damage if she wants to. The keepers always ensure that when feeding the bears, they stop if the paws start coming through the bars, this teaches the bears to associate good behaviour with food.
Clutching her favourite ball, Nuka comes to the window to meet the public.
The cubs love to look at visitors through the viewing glass while playing.
The cubs, I think this is Nuka in a rare clean moment, are still wonderfully curious and eager to examine anything in and around their enclosure. There are so many different glass panels that I found it a fun game to see if they would follow me across the pool. Sometimes towards the end of the week, they did.
Both Nuka and Qilaq enjoyed this game, and would come to see me or whoever was around.
The cubs are still young enough to enjoy human or animal visitors. Their eager faces and alert ears and eyes are a delight. I think this is Qilaq from the marking on her nose, but..
I have mentioned in another story, how establishing eye contact with the cubs over several days produced some wonderful encounters. Although there is glass between us, I cannot imagine anyone getting closer to a polar bear in the wild, at least when not tranquilised.
I had got so used to Qilaq being interested in playing the contact and submission game that I was not sure what to make of her bringing the remains of a meal to me. Polar Bears like to bring presents to each other. No, perhaps not, but I did feel honoured to be allowed to share a meal with her. Perhaps sharing my sandwiches through the glass had been appreciated.
The Aalborg cubs have been a highlight for me since Spring last year. They have grown up with a superb mother and in an environment as close to the wild as possible, and with none of the dangers faced by their wild cousins. It is possible that Malik may keep them with her until the Spring or longer.
Be the first to comment