Welcome to Ranua, Nord!

24.2.2021 – Photos by Marko Junttila, Ranua Wildlife Park

The female polar bear Venus has been the only polar bear in the Ranua Wildlife Park since her son Sisu moved to Doncaster. Soon she will have a male companion because the 15 years old male Nord came to Ranua on the 22nd of February.

Today Nord came out for the first time. Of course, Venus could smell the scent of the newcomer. She seems to be a little puzzled ….

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Are they playing hide-and-seek? 🙂 Well, for the time being they’re staying in separate enclosures.

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Being a Moscow guy Nord knows how wonderful the snow is.

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Within a few minutes his fur was turning whiter and whiter. 🙂

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Nord started his journey to Finland on the 19th of February from the Skandinaviske Dyrepark in Denmark. He travelled by car and by ferry and the long trip went very well.

Nord was born in Moscow and came first to Copenhagen and then via Aalborg to the Skandinaviske Dyrepark. He’s been busy ‘producing’ cubs – two in Copenhagen and two in Aalborg!!

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The first days Nord will spend exploring his enclosure and getting to know his keepers. He’s free to be out or inside in the den – whatever he finds good for his well being.

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No doubt Nord is quite satisfied with his new home!

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There are toys for him but it looks like the best ‘toy’ is the snow.

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There’s so much snow that a giant polar bear can dig a nice ‘bed room’ for a little nap.

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How cool is this!!! 🙂

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The first meeting between Venus and Nord is planned to take place later in the Spring. Until the time is right for the meeting they will stay in separate enclosures.

Maybe our white giant is already making plans for how to charm Venus ….

I think the last two photos show a perfectly happy polar bear.

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