1.7.2023 – Photos by Arkadi Laptenko
After publishing this article I found out that the twins have names now – Belka and Strelka. – Maybe the names were chosen after the two dogs, Belka and Strelka, who were launched into space on August 19, 1960 aboard the Soviet’s Sputnik 5 spacecraft. They returned to Earth one day later, becoming the first living creatures to be launched into space and returned safely to the ground.
The twin polar bear girls in the Novosibirsk Zoo haven’t got their names yet but a little bird told me the names will be announced soon.
Sometimes the cubbies are wondering what to during the day. Well, mama Gerda knows what to do.
She was happy to present the toys the keepers had brought to her and the twin girls.
Wow! So many toys in different shapes and sizes!
A sip of water is never wrong!
Of course, the girls were cautious examining the big toys ….
… but very soon they understood the toys were not dangerous.
These balls are actually quite nice although they are still a challenge for little cubbies.
This is a real ice berg!
While her daughters were quality controlling the toys Gerda had a snack in the water.
Mama, we’re hungry, too!
Don’t you think it’s time to open your milk bar?
Mama, let me hitch hike with you.
Gerda opened the milk bar …
… and with well filled bellies the family took a nap.
Herzig! 😍 💓 😘 💓 🥰 💓
LG Brigitte
Dear Mervi and Arkadi
Gerda and her daughters in the photos especially the last one are gorgeous. Thank you
Immer wieder schön, wie die kleinen Eisbären ihre Welt im Zoo unter den Augen von Mama Eisbär entdecken!
Dear Arkady and Mervi!
These are very touching pictures of Gerda and her cubs, showing that despite the sub-optimal enclosure, the little bears are having the time of their lives. It is remarkable what a difference toys, activity – and an experienced, loving mother make. Very cute pictures! Thank you so much!
Hugs
Anke
Diese Eisbären in Nowosibirsk sind einfach IMMER eine herausragend super-schöne und liebreizende Familie und die herrlichen Fotos (diesmal von Arkadi Laptenko. Dankeschön!) und deren muntere Unertitel von Mervi (auch Dankeschön!) lassen völlig vergessen, in welch kleiner Anlage diese von Natur aus auf Weite angelegten Tiere dort leben müssen. . . . Gott sei Dank dürften liebevolle Pfleger und die offenbar gute Versorgung mit Beschäftigungsmaterialdort das große Manko der Unterbringung abfedern.
Jedenfalls schaffen es GERDA und ihre jeweiligen Kinder fast immer – zumindest auf den uns zugänglichen Fotos – sooo zufrieden zu wirken!
Dear Arkady and Mervi!
This family is simply enchanting.
The balls and the iceberg are huge compared to the girls. If you compare the toys with mum, it looks completely different.
The pictures are really great.
It gives me great pleasure to marvel at them, whether jumps, daring balancing acts or the impressions from the milk bar.
Thank you Mervi for your captions.
Hugs,
Anita
Thank you very much dear Mervi and Arkadi.
Best wishes to Gerda and her babies.
dear Mervi and dear Arkadi,
thank you so much for the wonderful pictures and the nice text, so good to see the content family, the last picture, what could be sweeter
dear greetings and big pawwaves
Filomena