Extraordinary: polar bear cub born healthy

A healthy polar bear was born in Eindhoven Zoo. The delivery took place quietly in the maternity room of polar bear Frimas. Mother and newborn are doing well.

Head zookeeper Stephan Rijnen: "At the beginning of November we noticed that the mother started to retreat into the maternity room. From that we could conclude that the mating we saw in March was most likely successful! A polar mating lasts about eight months, so it was still a bit of a wait and see. Tuesday morning we looked at the camera footage and discovered some good news! A young polar bear the size of a guinea pig was lying with mother Frimas."

The maternity room is a separate enclosure linked to the polar bears' indoor enclosure in Eindhoven Zoo. This room was built so that pregnant polar bears can retreat before giving birth. When designing the maternity chamber, the natural behavior of polar bear females in the wild was also considered.

Rijnen: "In the wild, the mother-to-be goes into hibernation, in the snow hole she has dug herself. First the mother eats herself full so she is strong enough to hibernate. Bringing the young into the world, also happens during this rest. Only upon awakening will she meet her offspring."

The mother and newborn therefore remain safe in the nursery for the next few months. Rijnen: "In just under a month the eyes will open. The cub must first grow before it can enter the outside world. Now it is still much too small." The newborn is expected to grow at an average rate of 200 grams per day over the next few months.

In Eindhoven Zoo, there will be a screen showing a live connection from the nursery. "This way visitors can still experience a little bit of the development of the young polar bear!" said Rijnen.

Threats
The polar bear's status in the wild is "vulnerable. It means that if the polar bear's natural habitat is not better protected, the species is at high risk of extinction.

The polar bear is threatened because its habitat is becoming smaller and smaller, mainly due to climate change. This is causing the ice to melt and making it difficult for polar bears to hunt for ringed seals; the main food for the species. In the search for food, the polar bear is moving more and more into the inhabited world, creating conflict situations between the local population and the polar bears. This results in dangerous situations for the locals and the polar bears.

Contribution from Eindhoven Zoo.
The polar bears at Eindhoven Zoo are genetically the most important pair in the European management program. The management program ensures a healthy population in zoos. Each animal species has one studbook keeper from this program and he looks critically at both the genetic background of the animals, but also at the space available for offspring in European zoos. Based on this information, the studbook keeper gives advice. Rijnen: "There are currently only three polar bear couples in Europe with a recommendation. The question remains, of course, whether these actually produce young animals. It makes it extra special that we succeeded at Eindhoven Zoo!"

Polar Bears International
Through Stichting Wildlife, Eindhoven Zoo supports Polar Bears International. This organization protects not only the polar bear, but also the ice on which these bears depend. Polar Bears International does this through education, research and by talking to politicians.

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