1.8.2023 – Source: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
It’s almost been two months since the polar bear twins Astra and Laerke arrived! The growing bears are loving their fresh, saltwater pool and daily enrichment.
I’ve found a treasure!
Oh my, this treasure is eatable, too!
Wow! This sure is delicious!
What elegant table manners! Please, notice the elegant hind leg waving. 🙂
It would be practical to have at least three front paws ….
After the snacks it was time for playing in the water.
Our keepers know how to keep us happy!
The water sure looks fresh and clean.
This toy is very useful when we want to be incognito … or should I say under cover? 🙂
No, I don’t want to hide from the visitors because I know they love me and my sister.
“They have very different personalities and approaches to life. Astra is much more confident and a bit more inquisitive about her environment,” staff biologist Noelle said. “Laerke is more quiet. She really likes to watch what her keepers are doing. I often find her closely observing what we’re doing.”
If this is the first time you meet Astra and Laerke – here’s a short history:
The twins were born Nov. 17, 2020 at the Detroit Zoo. The joyous occasion quickly turned concerning when Laerke had a medical emergency shortly after birth. The sisters had to be separated so Laerke could receive intensive lifesaving medical care and regain her strength.
While Astra spent the first two years learning from their mom, Laerke was getting essential care from her keepers. They introduced her to Jebbie, a grizzly cub rescued from Alaska after he was found wandering alone and he was brought to the zoo. The two bears learned vital socialization skills and provided each another with companionship for about seven months.
The sisters were finally reunited this spring in Detroit, and quickly became fast friends — playing, swimming, wrestling, and taking long naps, of course.
Bye bye! I hope we’ll be back soon!
Mervi I first learnt about Astrid and Laerke from Molly Merrow and it is marvelous to see them in such beautiful water in their new home. Twins seem to have very different natures as we know from Nobby and Nela.
Schön, dass die beiden Geschwister nun doch noch zusammen aufwachsen und so voneinander lernen können!! 😊
Allerliebst sind die Beiden! 😍 💓 💓
LG Brigitte
Dear Mervi!
It is great to see the sisters in the nice environment. They look very good.
Hugs
Ludmila
Dear Mervi,
how nice that the hand-rearing of one of the twins has taken such a happy course that the two can now grow up together.
Therefore, thank you again for letting us know the special background story!
Britta-Gudrun
Dear Mervi!
Here, not only the handsome young polar bears have been beautifully staged, but also the wonderful clear water in which they are frolicking.
I fully agree with the previous authors that it is simply great that the twins grow up together and can play with each other.
Thank you for these refreshing and enjoyable pictures!
Hugs
Anke
Thank you very much dear Mervi.
Best wishes to Astra and Laerke.