The UK’s youngest polar bear cub has been named - as new footage shows him taking his first steps outside. The cub, born in December at the Highland Wildlife Park, near Aviemore, Highlands, has been called Brodie - a Scottish word meaning second son.
It was chosen by the winner of the recent prize draw ran by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Public viewing for Brodie and mum Victoria will open from March 28.
But staff at the park are advising visitors the cub may only be visible for small periods of time to begin with. Delighted keepers said after a lap of his enclosure Brodie enjoys a good snooze in the den with mum.
Vickie Larkin, carnivore team leader, said: “We are so excited for visitors to finally see little Brodie and want to remind everyone they must book their tickets in advance. He is doing very well and is growing more confident every day.
“It is important to be aware Brodie may only be visible for short spurts to begin with as he starts to explore his enclosure and grow stronger on his feet. After a lap of his enclosure, our wee cub enjoys a good snooze in the den with mum.
“Like the other polar bears here at the park, Brodie will act as an ambassador for his cousins in the wild. Seeing cubs like this up close is a great way to connect with nature and raise awareness of the plight the species faces in the wild.”
The prize draw raised over £70,000 to help the charity build Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre at the park. Lucky winner, Brian Whitehead, chose the cub’s name from a keeper shortlist.
Brian said: “This is without doubt one of the best things that has ever happened for us and will definitely be a life changing experience. I went with Brodie in the end because of it meaning second son, the family name Brodie has close ties in the area historically, it is very Scottish.
“We can barely contain our joy because we had our first visit to the park last week, and it far exceeded our expectations. The next visit is going to be even more awesome since we will get to come back again for the ultimate experience to meet little Brodie. We still can’t quite believe it."
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