February 3, 2012 Toronto, Ontario: After a precarious start to life, the Toronto Zoo today introduced a very special member of the Zoo’s wildlife family, the now 3 ½ month old male polar bear cub. This energetic young cub represents a heartwarming journey of survival, one where expert Toronto Zoo Wildlife Health staff worked around the clock to save a vulnerable species. The cub has successfully surpassed many milestones in his young life and is a great ambassador for a species in need of public education and support.

“This has been an interesting and challenging case for the Zoo and a valiant and dedicated team effort of both the Wildlife Health Centre and Wildlife Care staff,” said John Tracogna, the Zoo’s Chief Executive Officer. “Ultimately, it has been a rewarding journey for everyone involved, and we are happy to introduce an active and healthy polar bear cub, our new Arctic ambassador to help share our conservation message with our visitors.”

On October 11, 2011, Aurora, one of the Zoo’s two 10-year old female polar bears, gave birth to three cubs. Tragically, the new mother rejected the cubs shortly after birth. Zoo staff quickly intervened, and rescued the two surviving cubs. Less than 24 hours later, one cub did succumb toinjuries sustained.

Polar bears are born in a very immature state and are documented as being very difficult to hand raise from the moment of birth. The newborn cub weighing only 700 grams was immediately placed into an incubator in the Intensive Care Unit of the Zoo’s Wildlife Health Centre, and monitoring ’24/7′ commenced. At birth, polar bears have a pink nose, eyelids, and feet, and their eyes and ears are tightly closed.

For the past 3 ½ months, Zoo staff has focused on care of the cub, tending to his every need.

There are few documented cases of humans rearing a cub from such an early age. Veterinary staff monitored his health closely to ensure he was receiving all of the necessary requirements to survive and grow strong. He was fed an artificial polar bear milk formula with an infant bottle, which he accepted very readily. While early on the cub did experience some close calls, he has achieved, right from the start, a strong and consistent growth weight, and now weighs approximately 17kg. Some of the major milestones that were reached since birth are:

• At two weeks, the cub’s skin color began to change and his pink nose and feet graduallychanged to black.

• At about 30 days, his eyes and ears opened, and he begun responding to his environment and the people that cared for him.

• At about 40 days, the cub began to teethe, and to the delight of his care givers, very quickly showed his ability to use them!

• At about 90 days, his walking improved with lots of exercise to strengthen his hind legs.

This increased mobility and independence allowed for his move from the Wildlife Health Centre to the polar bear house on January 26.

The cub can be seen in his new outdoor den in the Zoo’s polar bear exhibit, generously supported by Symcor. “As part of our ongoing partnership, Symcor’s Integrated Statement Services group is pleased to support the polar bear research and conservation initiatives at the Zoo,” says Michael Corbett, Director, Operations, Integrated Statement Services at Symcor. “It also helps us to instill a culture of environmental awareness and engagement among employees which is an important aspect in solving the environmental challenges that face us today and in the future.”

The male cub also needs a suitable name. Starting today and over the next six weeks, names can be submitted to the Zoo’s facebook page – facebook.com/TheTorontoZoo and on the Zoo’s website at torontozoo.com . Voting on a short-list will start mid-March and the selected name will be announced on March 31, 2012.

The Toronto Zoo is a champion for Canada’s majestic polar bears listed as a critically endangered species. The Zoo works closely with other Zoological associations and conservation institutions, including a close partnership with Polar Bears International (PBI). Zoo biologists and researchers work closely with their Wildlife biologist counterparts in the field with valuable learning andstudies that can be applied to polar bear conservation in the wild.

About Toronto Zoo:

The Toronto Zoo is Canada’s premier zoo and a leader in animal preservation and environmental protection. More than a tourist attraction, the Toronto Zoo boasts a number of leading programs for helping wildlife and their natural habitats – from species reintroduction to reproductive research. A world-class educational centre for people of all ages, the Toronto Zoo is open every day except December 25 and attracts approximately 1.3 million visitors each year.

More Photos

An article about the polar bear cub in Toronto Sun

Videos:

Der dritte Tag hintereinander im Zoo und endlich habe ich die tobenden und spielen GG´s gesehen. Sie mussten zur Fütterung gerufen werden, kamen in Zeitlupe runter und frassen auch in Zeitlupe.

Dann flanierten sie im Graben, Nancy suchte sich einen Sonnenplatz an der Scheibe und Tosca und Kati legten los.

Es wurde gerauft, geschmust, alles ohne zu brummen. Sie rannten hintereinander her und fingen wieder von vorne an.

Achtet doch mal auf Toscas lieben Gesichtsausdruck.

Als Kati genug hatte, wollte Tosca Nancy animieren, ohne Erfolg.

Also spielte sie alleine, mit einem Baumstamm, Schnee und Eis und einem Tannenbaum.

Nach 1 1/2 Stunden haben wir uns schweren Herzens getrennt, Tosca war noch nicht müde.

Now that the Siberian cold had reached almost the whole Europe it’s inevitable that my thoughts go to our polar bear friends – especially to a certain magic bear that no longer is physically with us. However, we all have so many wonderful memories of him that we still can feel his presence very stongly.

Whenever I see a snow flake I think of Knuti, whenever I see ice flowers in the windows I think of how much our bear angel would have loved them…….

Let’s take a walk on a snowy, icy memory lane. Let’s smile through tears….

An apple on the ice looks much more delicious than an apple in the water.

Ice scratching was the best pawicure!

Knut looks so curious – what’s under the ice?

Swimming in the ice cold water really made them feel like polar bears.

Water games with Tosca

Knut was always so innovative about head wear – this time he designed an ice cap.

A Winter Spa

I love this photo! What a beautiful bear he was….

Having a chat with Giovanna

The best friends!

How I miss this sight….. My greatest dream was to see Knuti by the glass panel and ‘hold’ his paw. That dream never came true but I’m happy and grateful that so many of my dreams did!

We will never see Knuti behind the glass panel in Zoo Berlin again but for me little Anori in Wuppertal is at least a little consolation. Through Lars and Knuti’s half sister there’s still a connection to him.

Dear bear angel boy, meeting you was love at first sight and as we all know – a great love never dies!

Gewidmet an Tante Annemarie, Tante Mervi und Onkel Vesa.

Geschrieben von Herr Dipl. Ing. Dr in Wärme, Strom und Leitungen, ein Bisle Hilfe von TBM.

Es war December 2010, als ich von Göttingen nach Bärlin mit Tante Annemarie reiste. Weil mein Spezialität die Wärme ist, wollte Tante Annemarie mich an TBM&TBV geben. Sie dachte, dass im hohen Norden immer sehr kalt ist und TBM&TBV brauchen meine Wärme.

Gleichzeitig kam Tante Mervi und Onkel Vesa mit einer sehr huebscher Fröken (Frl) Tomta aus Malmö. Hihihii , ich muss sagen, njaah im ersten Augenblick …. sie ist so suess und nett und schön. Es war und ist eine grosse Liebe.

Einige Tage später besuchte TBM Drogerie Rossmann. Da wartete auf uns unser Sohn Tomte. Er ist sehr musikalisch. Er kann sehr gut Slingo bell, Slingo bell spielen. Jetzt wohnen wir hier glucklich.

Sie sind sicher intressiert, warum meine Familiename Glueckchen ist. Glueckchen heisst auf finnisch onninen. Es ist auch eine Familienname. Grösste und vornehmste Röhrenfirma in Finnland heisst Onninen. Es ist ein Familienbetrieb. Ich bemerkte gleich, dass etwas muss man hier sanieren und renovieren.

Frau Tomta will sicher in der Zukunft mit Hilfe von Mademoiselle Flocke hier alles neue einrichten. Sicher sind Tante TBM und Onkel TBV nicht so hmpf zufrieden. Sie murmelten etwas von ewige Picknick.

Ich habe auch ein Familinbetrieb. Ich helfe als Konsult TBM&TBV mit der Röhrensanierung. Jemand sagte, dass Knuipe braucht eine Sauna. Ich habe schon in der Knuipe´s Sauna gebaut. Bitte! Knutsteiner finden sie im Kuehlschrank. Bitte willkommen.

Leider Tante TBM hasst die Sauna. Sie hat einige unangenehme Erinnerungen in Sauna aus ihrer Kindheit. Sauna war zu heiss, glaube ich. Knuipe´s Sauna ist immer fuer alle lagom, wie die Schweden sagen. Also nicht zu heiss.

Hier gibt´s einige Fotos von Sanierung und von meiner lieber Familie und Uebersicht von winterlichem Turku. Vielleicht sieht das Haus von TBM&TBV, wie es wäre im Intensivklinik. Zusammen mit Herr Allg. Ing. Raspi mache alles neue.

Ich biete herzlich meine Bedienungen. Braucht euer Haus auch Intensivbehandlung?

Herr Dipl. Ing. Glueckchen mit Fam.

IN ENGLISH:

The Glueckchens – Translation by Bärgit

Dedicated to Auntie Annemarie, Auntie Mervi and Uncle Vesa.

Written by Mr. Dipl. Ing. Master of Science in Heating, Electricity and Plumbing, with only a little help by TBM

It was December 2010 when I went from Göttingen to Bärlin with Auntie Annemarie. As I’m a specialist in heating, Auntie Annemarie wanted me to live with TBM&TBV. She thought in the Far North it was always very chilly and TBMTBV would need my warmth.

At the same time Auntie Mervi and Uncle Vesa arrived with a very pretty Fröken (Frl., Miss) Tomta from Malmö. Hihihii, I have to admit, weelll, from the very first glance….. she is so cute and nice and beautiful. It was and still is a very great love affair.

A couple of days later, TBW went to a Rossmann’s drugstore. There our son Tomte was waiting for us. He is very musical. He can play the tune Slingo bell, Slingo bell very well.

We are leading very happy lives here in Finland. I bet you’d like to know why my last name is ‘Glueckchen’. Glueckchen in Finnish is ‘Onninen’. It is a very big privately owned enterprise.

I noticed right away that this house needed a complete make-over. Surely, Mrs. Tomta would like to re-do all the rooms soon with the help of Mademoiselle Flocke – including new furniture. And I’m positive that Auntie TBM and Uncle TBM, well, aren’t happy either. They kept murmuring something like constant picnic.

I also do own a family enterprise. I’m helping TBM&TBV as a consulting plumbing expert.

Recently someone mentioned that the Knuipe would need a sauna. I already built the Knuipe Sauna.  Here we go! You’ll find the Knutsteiners in the fridge. Welcome!

Unfortunately Auntie TBM isn’t so fond of saunas. It’s the memories – unpleasant ones from childhood days. Sauna was too hot, I assume. The Knuipe Sauna is always ‘lagom’ for all or you – that’s what the Swedes call it. That means it’s not too hot.

There are a couple of pictures of sauna, impressions of the reconstruction, and of my dear family and a view of Turku in winter

Maybe TBM&TBM’s house reminds you of a house in intensive care. Together with Master of General Science, Mr. Raspi I’m redoing the whole house.

I would kindly like to offer my services. Do your houses also need a general reconstruction the intensive care type?

Dipl. Ing. Master of Science in Heating, Electricity and Plumbing Glueckchen and Family

Auch heute war es sehr kalt aber sonnig in Berlin. Vor dem Frühstück standen Tosca und Nancy auf der linken Insel. Tosca lief ein wenig. Die Bärinnen wurden heute an der Scheibe gefüttert, so dass man einen nahen Blick auf sie hatte.

Nach der Fütterung spielten Tosca und Kati miteinander. Es war sehr schön anzusehen. Auf der Anlage ist es schwierig zu spielen, da die Anlage sehr felsig ist. Als Tosca auf einen Felsen ging, folgten ihr Kati und Nancy. Gegen Mittag schliefen alle drei.

Es war sehr schön die Mittwochs Gang zu treffen und mal wieder im Restaurant einen Kakao zu trinken.

In der Mitte Tosca

Kati oben, Tosca unten

Es war eine große Freude ihnen zuzusehen

Kati latscht auf Toscas Ohr

Am Spätvormittag begaben sich alle zur Ruhe

When I woke up this morning and looked out I saw snow flakes dancing in the air. They made me think of our beautiful white bear boy Knuti and remember how much he enjoyed the snow – especially when Giovanna was there to fool around with him.

When I started to look for Winter photos of Knuti I found these wonderful pictures by LeenaP and, of course, I want to share them with you. Even though watching photos of our sweet bear makes us sad they also make us smile…. and happy because we had the privilege to know him!

The photos of Knut and Giovanna were taken on January 24th, 2010

More Photos

How much fun can you have with a hard hat? Just ask the lonely polar bear!

You’d be amazed how much entertainment a polar bear can get out of a simple hard hat.

And Walker the polar bear proved there was no end to the games he could play with a workman’s safety helmet when he managed to get his paws on one for an hour after his weigh in today at the Highland Wildlife Park.

His keepers spotted three-year-old Walker throwing the hat into the water before diving in to retrieve it and then practised balancing it on his paw and his nose.

Taking the plunge: Walker dives in after his favourite toy – a hard hat

Nearly got it: Walker sets his sights on grabbing the workman’s safety hat

Walker was given a trail of sardines to follow to tempt him on to a large wooden platform attached to a set of scales which revealed he has gained around 330lb in just over a year.

The three-year-old bear weighed in at 63 stone – when he arrived at the Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie, Inverness-shire in December 2010 he was around 39 stone.

Making a splash: Walker throws the hat up into the air before chasing after it again

Got it: Walker finally catches the pesky hat that kept giving him the slip

On the nose: Walker prepares to practice balancing his hard hat with varying degrees of success

It will be another two or three years before he is fully grown and by the age of six he will weigh an estimated 80-110 stone.

Una Richardson, the centre’s head keeper, said: ‘The weigh-in this morning with Walker went extremely well. We managed to tempt him on to the scales with a few of his favourites – sardines.

‘We are really pleased with Walker’s weight. He’s a big boy at 403kg, which is around 63 stone. It’s slightly higher than what we had expected. We guessed he could be around 62 stone, which is around 395kg.

‘It’s a good, healthy weight for a polar bear of his age and size and is close to the weight we had expected.

Dinner time: Keepers had to use sardines to lure Walker on to the scales to get weighed

Walker is weighed by Senior Keeper David Barclay at the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig, Inverness-shire

Tongue rub: Walker gets a tongue rub after being weighed by Head Keeper Una Richardson

‘After we took his weight reading he was off to play with his favourite toy – a hard hat – and enjoy the rest of his morning.

‘Knowing precisely what he weighs gives us a very good indication of how well he is doing and, should we need to anaesthetise him for any reason or give him any medication, knowing what he weighs allows us to give him a more accurate and therefore a more effective dose.

‘Weighing Walker is a two-person job. One of us has to be ready to take the weight reading and the other has to get Walker on to the scales.’

Una said Walker has become a favourite with visitors at the park, which is owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, because of his playful antics.

And she added that the UK could have a second polar bear on display by the end of this year.

Una continued: ‘We have hopes of getting Walker a mate sometime this year but at the moment he is enjoying his bachelor lifestyle.’

There are two snow leopards in Orsa:

Baatar, a female born in 2008, came in May 2011 from a zoo in Spain and Shan, a male born in 2010 who came to Orsa in November 2011 from a zoo in France.

Some facts about snowleopard – Phantera unica unica:

Snow leopards are medium sized cats, 120-150 cm (plus 1 m tail) 60-70 cm male 45-55 kg, male 35-40 kg. The coat is just gray / yellow with dark spots. It is lighter almost white on stomach and throat. They have large paws that act as snowshoes, and have a thicker denser coat to withstand cold and cold climates. They have a strong and very long tail. It can also be used as protection for the eyes and nose in extreme weather.

Snow leopard lives in the Central Asian mountain ranges, Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It is said that there are between 3500 and 7000 snow leopards in 12 countries but with 60% of the total population in China. Snow leopards are difficult to take stock of where they live in very inaccessible environment.

There are about 600 snow leopards in zoos around the world.

Snow leopards are carnivores and their diet consists mostly of wild sheep and goats, deer, gazelles, wild boars, hares, birds, rodents. They hunt by stalking or surprise their prey.

Snow leopard is a real loner, it goes to himself over huge areas in the mountains of Central Asia in search of prey. They are nocturnal and are very good in the dark, snow leopard mark territory with urine marking and scratching

Unlike the other big cats the snow leopard can not roar.

Bei diesem Traumwetter (30.1) musste ich heute einfach in den Zoo gehen. Und es hat sich gelohnt. Tosca, Nancy und Katjuscha waren schon munter. Sie waren heute alle Drei super drauf. So gab es Dreierkuscheln. Und das schönste, Kati war immer dabei. Sie spielte heute lange mit Tosca.

Ja, es ist endlich Eisbärwetter.

Ich habe heute so viele Fotos gemacht, dass es schwierig war, die Besten auszuwählen.

Nancy wälzte sich schon am frühen Morgen im Graben.

Diese Lage ist besser, da sieht man den dreckigen Popo nicht. Aber leider hielten die Damen meist ihr Hinterteil in die Kamera.

Tosca und Nancy

Nancy und Kati

Kati

Dreierkuscheln. Einfach nur schön anzusehen.

Tosca und Kati

Tosca

Nancy und Kati

So schön anzusehen. Kati und Tosca. Das gibt es leider selten.

Tosca und Nancy in der Höhle. Hier musste Kati leider draußen bleiben.

Auch heute wieder ein kurzes Video der super aufgelegten Eisbärinnen.

The cub is now almost two months old and mother’s milkbar keeps the hunger away. The baby is gaining weight about 100 grams a day! With a well filled belly it’s good to sleep in mom’s arms.

Producing milk is, of course, very energy consuming for Venus. Since she hadn’t been eating during the last two and a half month she became restless and started to look for food. It was time to start feeding her. The first meal consisted of 800 grams salmon. After the long fast the ‘digestion machinery’ needs a gentle awakening. Fish is easy to digest and the fat salmon contains important nourishment for the mama bear.

The cubbie is learning how to walk after the crawling period. The walking isn’t so gracious and elegant yet but it’s getting better all the time.

Now that the cub can control it’s movements better Venus can feed it while sitting.

Here are some short videos and I’m sure you will all fall in love – if you haven’t already…….