UK's Baby Polar Bear is Named at Highland Wildlife Park

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: March 26, 2022 12:01 am

The United Kingdom's youngest polar bear has been named Brodie and is beginning to explore in his outside enclosure.

Photo Credit: RZSS

The United Kingdom's youngest polar bear has been named at Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland. Born in December the cub has been named Brodie as he begins to take his first steps outside.

Brodie was named by the winner of the recent prize draw ran by the wildlife conservation charity to raise funds for Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre. The name is a Scottish word meaning son.

Starting from March 28th 2022 guests will finally be able to meet Brodie as he begins to explore the outside world alongside mom, Victoria. Guests are advised he may only be visible for short periods each day.

This is the second cub for parents Victoria and Arktos who welcomed their first son, Hamish in 2017. He was the first polar bear cub born in the United Kingdom in 25 years.

The United Kingdom's youngest polar bear has been named Brodie and is beginning to explore in his outside enclosure alongside mother Victoria.

Photo Credit: RZSS

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.” 

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The name was picked by the winner of a prize draw. Funds from the draw will contribute to the building of Scotland's Wildlife Discovery Center with the draw raising over £70,000. Brian was able to choose the name from a shortlist created by keepers.

Brian Whitehead, the winner, 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.” 

Vickie continued, “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.” 

Learn more about Polar Bears here - Polar Bear Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Highland Wildlife Park on their website – Highland Wildlife Park

The United Kingdom's youngest polar bear has been named Brodie and is beginning to explore in his outside enclosure.

Photo Credit: RZSS