A Whisper in the Arctic Breeze: Polar Bear Cubs Delight at Novosibirsk Zoo
At Novosibirsk Zoo in Siberia, the Arctic enchantment unfolds as a proud polar bear named Gerda unveils her adorable twin cubs to the world. This heartwarming moment, captured in a special snapshot, features one of the three-month-old cubs seemingly whispering into its mother’s ear, creating an image of familial warmth and connection.
The trio’s outdoor adventures are beautifully documented in a video that showcases the cubs reveling in the snow for the first time. As the fluffy duo frolics under the watchful eye of Gerda, it is evident that these playful moments are filled with innocence and joy.
The zookeepers, recognizing the delicate nature of this period, have appealed to visitors for cooperation. They urge patrons to maintain silence and refrain from tossing food or toys to the cubs, as such actions may disturb the mother bear, putting the well-being of the cubs at risk.
Gerda, already deemed a ‘Hero Mother’ by Russians for producing twins, has a history of raising two other offspring—one residing in a zoo in Japan and the other in China. The director of Novosibirsk Zoo, Andrey Shilo, emphasizes the importance of ensuring Gerda’s tranquility during this critical time.
“There have only been a handful of cases when mother polar bears raised two cubs,” Shilo notes. “We are hoping to see our Gerda’s twins doing well and are taking the utmost care of her well-being.”
Acknowledging the unique dynamics of nature’s plan, Shilo explains that during the initial months of the cubs’ lives, mother bears consume nothing, relying solely on internal resources. The zoo’s appeal to visitors is simple: respect Gerda’s space, avoid calling her by name, and refrain from any actions that may disturb the peaceful environment she provides for her cubs.
As the Novosibirsk Zoo embraces this extraordinary moment, the hope is that Gerda’s twins will thrive under the watchful care of their devoted mother, enchanting visitors with their playful antics and contributing to the global conservation efforts aimed at protecting these magnificent creatures in the wild.