A rare ‘polar bear’ who’s been travelling the globe teaching kids about his species’ plight is bringing some Christmas magic to Ireland this weekend.
Families from across the country will have the chance to get up close and personal with life-sized animatronic wonder, Bjorn.
The National Geographic, BBC, Eden Project and Venice Carnival star, who blinks, sniffs, moves and speaks, comes complete with his own iceberg.
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He and his Arctic conservation companion will kick off the countdown to this year’s festivities at Dundalk’s Marshes Shopping Centre on Saturday.
“It is a real privilege for us to welcome Bjorn to Dundalk as Marshes returns to celebrating Christmas post pandemic,” said centre manager, Sean Farrell.
There, visitors of all sizes will be able to interact with the realistic representation of one of the world’s largest and most beautiful land predators and learn about its life and struggles.
The climate crisis is melting away the sea-ice on which polar bears hunt, posing the biggest threat to their survival.
As a result the Arctic’s apex predators are now vulnerable to extinction, say the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
“He provides an exceptional and unrivalled level of animation for a realistic polar bear experience, but without the danger,” a Marshes spokesperson added.
“Visitors to Marshes will be able to pet, stroke and gaze in awe at this majestic work of animatronics.
“The animatronic polar bear is a huge hit with audiences worldwide and has appeared at a number of international environmental events.
“Bjorn will be appearing at Marshes on Saturday and Sunday, November 26-27, with show times of 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm each day.
“Places for Bjorn’s free shows, which last half an hour, will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.”
See marshesshopping.com or Marshes Facebook page for more information.
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