Highland polar bears celebrate birthday with giant ball and cake
Three polar bears had a ball at a wildlife park as keepers celebrated their winter birthdays. Victoria, who arrived at the Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore in March this year, turned 19, while Arktos was eight and Walker turned seven.
The two male bears were gifted a huge play ball, splashing about in their enclosure's pond.
Keepers at the park said the pair have become ''best buddies'' since they moved in together two years ago, describing their relationship as a ''bear bromance''.
Victoria was treated to a special frozen birthday cake made from ice and fish. Vicky Larkin, head carnivore keeper, said: Although they often are given a range of polar bear-friendly toys, this is the first time we've given Walker and Arktos, our very playful male polar bears, a huge ball specially made for large powerful animals and we were extremely excited to see their reaction.
Thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery who kindly donated the enrichment item, we were able to purchase and import this special toy.
Arktos had a wonderful time rolling the ball around their huge six-acre enclosure and playing with it in their pond. It was and will continue to be great exercise and help the males to stay fit and healthy.
Our girl, Victoria, is a much calmer bear and enjoyed eating her cake, although I'm sure the boys won't mind sharing their nice new toy with her.''
Walker was born at Rhenen Zoo in the Netherlands on December 7 2008 and arrived at the Scottish wildlife park in November 2010.
Arktos was born at Vienna Zoo in Austria on November 30 2007, arriving in Aviemore in April 2012, while Victoria, the UK's only female polar bear, was born at Rostock Zoo in Germany on December 12 1996.
Keepers will introduce her to Arktos next year and it is hoped the pair will breed.