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Park's aged polar bear receiving geriatric care

RZSS Victoria has snow on her nose. There is snow all around her on the ground.RZSS
Victoria is 28 years old

The mother of the first polar bear cub to be born in the UK in 25 years is receiving geriatric care, her keepers have said.

Victoria, who is 28, gave birth to male cub Hamish at the Highland Wildlife Park, near Aviemore, in January 2018.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) said keepers noticed she was struggling to keep up with her new cub, Brodie, who was born in December 2021.

It said Victoria's care included medication to give her relief from joint pain.

Polar bears can live into their early 30s, but an average of 15 to 18 years in the wild.

Victoria was born in 1996 at Rostock Zoo in Germany and had previously given birth at Aalborg Zoo in Denmark in 2008.

She arrived at RZSS' Highland Wildlife Park in March 2015.

Victoria is the oldest of park's four bears, with Brodie and adult males Arktos and Walker being the others.

RZSS/Siân Addison Hamish is rolling on his back with his feet in the air. He has some straw in his mouth.RZSS/Siân Addison
Hamish was the first polar bear cub to be born in the UK in 25 years
RZSS Hamish, who is nearest the camera, walks beside his mother Victoria. The bears are reflected in the water of the pond.RZSS
Victoria and Hamish before he was moved to another zoo

RZSS said: "Our keepers noticed her struggling to keep up with Brodie, and she had stopped demonstrating some physical behaviours such as climbing on her back legs.

"The vet team were asked to check on her to see if we could help.

"It was clear from her movements that Victoria has some pain in her joints, likely associated with arthritis which is very common in older animals."

It added: "As animals age, they can become more susceptible to age-related diseases such as arthritis, heart conditions, dental problems, and vision or hearing loss.

"Geriatric care involves regular health assessments to detect these issues early, allowing for timely intervention that can improve their quality of life and prevent serious complications."

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