Update 16.2 – IT’S A BOY!
Feb 16th, 2012 | By mervi | Category: News and reports from Scandinavia15.2.2012 – Source: Ranua Zoo, Finland
Update 16.2 – According to Intendent Mari Heikkinen in the Ranua Zoo the cub is a boy!
The polar bear cub in Ranua is almost three months old now. It has started to move around in the den but mother Venus keeps an eye on her cubbie all the time. She makes sure the cub is secure by ‘directing’ it with her front paws closer to her if the cub is going too far away from her. When it’s feeding time by the milk bar she does the same directing maneuvre.
The cub still needs much sleep. After a couple of hours’ nap it usually wakes up before Venus and just like all kids the cub doesn’t let her sleep either. 
He grabs the cheek fur or bites themother’s ‘toes and thus he gets what he wants.
After the silent, peaceful life in the den both mother and child must get used to people’s voices and daily routines. So far only one keeper – whom Venus knows very well – has brought the food to her. Last week there were two keepers who came. This would also make it easier to take some photos when the other keeper can show the light – all this on the terms of the bears, of course! The mom and the cub are the first priority – there will be lots of chances to take photos later.
The keepers had a little ‘problem’ though. Not that Venus would have been nervous or hostile but the cub’s fearless attitude towards people! It came so near the bars that it was really difficult to videotape. Mother Venus took the whole thing quite calmly, maybe a little worried but she didn’t show any signs of aggressivity. She didn’t take the cub away from the bars either.
Due to the extremely cold weather the cub hasn’t been out yet. No risks are taken – everybody loves the precious little cub – first ever born in Finland. Naturally the keepers and the visitors are eagerly waiting for the day when Venus decides to present her baby to the world.
Dear Mervi,
what a lovely entree for the new Scandinavian Column. The cub is really curious, a typical feature polar bears show and this already very early.
Thank you ever so much for this lovely surprise and for the videos and the interesting information. Can a new column start better than with a little newborn?
The baby looks well and I wish him and Mother Venus all the best, health and happiness!
Big Hugs
from caren
Dear Mervi!
We are so proud. FIRST ICEBEARCUB IN FINNLAND.
She/he is so nice.
Thank you so much.
TBM
Hallo Mervi
Das Baby entwickelt sich super!!!
Ich weiss schon, wo ihr im Sommer hinfahrt.
Liebe Grüsse
Crissi
Liebe Mervi,
das Ranua- Baby gedeiht ganz wunderbar.Es ist ein wunderschönes Eisbär-Cub
Venus kümmert sich rührend um ihr Baby.
einen ganz herzlichen Dank fürs Zeigen.
Liebe Grüsse, Ute
Dear Mervi,
Oh, this is delightful!! What a cute, curious and “I know what I want and when I want it” bear cub!! Thank you so much for sharing these videos with us. Mama Venus has her hands/paws full…….
Hugs, Sarsam
Dear Mervi!
I am happy that a cub is doing well. The cub is very cute. It would be very nice to see Venus and her baby outside
Hugs
Ludmila
Dear Mervi,
thank you for the good news from Venus and her cub. I can’t see the fotos in my office I watch them
later at home.
Hugs from
Alex
Dear Mervi,
Thank you for the wonderful news!
LG, Christine
Dear Mervi,
thank you so much for the update. I hope the little FinnBoy will have a lovely name, soon.
I wish him all the best and most of all HEALTH.
Venus is doing a great job, Good luck with her little son(nyboy)
Hugs from caren
Dear Mervi
He is sweet the little Aslak. Good luck little one.
Hugs Inge
Mervi,
The little boy is looking a lot like Manasse isn’t he? Adorable. Of course I’ll be keeping tabs on this handsome little prince.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Once again “Congratulations!” to Venus, Zoo RANUA, the unique keeper, allowed to approach Venus and her baby-boy (ASLAK!?
) and to our two Finn-couples Knervi&Knesa and Knirja&Knisto as well to all other Finns for the first polar bear baby born in Finnland. And “Congratulations!” to the little one that it is healthy and fearless towards other living beings 
GOOD LUCK! for any phase of your development and a HAPPY and long life!
Dear MERVI, thank you very much that you have brought this wonderful and interesting information to us in “KWM” and for the translation. I wonder when we will get the first personal report!!??