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WATCH: Meet little Brodie the cute polar bear cub at the Highland Wildlife Park


By Gavin Musgrove

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The UK’s youngest polar bear cub, born in December at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park, has been named Brodie.

And new footage shows him taking his first steps outside and even enjoying a swim with the encouragement of mum Victoria at their home by Kincraig.

Brodie is a Scottish word meaning second son.

Victoria and Brodie at the Highland Wildlife Park. Videos and images supplied by the RZSS.
Victoria and Brodie at the Highland Wildlife Park. Videos and images supplied by the RZSS.

The youngster and Victoria will be able to be seen from this Monday but staff at the park are advising visitors the cub may only be visible for short periods of time to begin with.

Vickie Larkin, carnivore team leader at Highland Wildlife Park 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.”

Brodie will be making his first public appearance on Monday.
Brodie will be making his first public appearance on Monday.

The prize draw, which ran for two weeks, raised over £70,000 to help the charity build Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre at the park.

The lucky winner, Brian Whitehead, chose the cub’s name from a keeper shortlist.

He 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.”

Ms Larkin said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who entered our once-in-a-lifetime prize draw to help bring Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre to life, and in turn, will allow our charity to connect even more people with nature and enable visitors and communities to protect endangered animals.”

Visitors must book in advance due to limited numbers.

To book tickets, visit www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/tickets


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