SOUTH TOLEDO -- This week's snow showers were just a coincidence, but they helped The Toledo Zoo get in the spirit for a big announcement. Keepers say two polar bears have given birth to three cubs.
Keepers say 11-year-old Nan gave birth to a cub November 22, followed closely by 8-year-old Crystal, who gave birth to two cubs on November 25. In a news release, the zoo says both mothers are nursing their cubs and demonstrating good maternal behaviors, and Zoo officials have good reason to be cautiously optimistic about the future well-being of the cubs.
"The first week is a crucial time for polar bear cubs, and we were very encouraged by the fact that both mothers immediately began caring appropriately for their offspring," said Dr. Anne Baker, the zoo's Executive Director, in a prepared release. "Now we need to monitor how well they do during their first month, which is also a very important time for polar bear cubs."
The polar bear cubs weighed approximately one pound at birth and the zoo says they are growing quite rapidly. The sex of the cubs has not yet been determined, nor have they been given names.
The cubs are currently in their den with their mothers, who have access to food and water in the den while they are nursing. According to the zoo, polar bears are largely solitary animals except when females have cubs. Pregnant females put on fat and enter their dens in the fall, not feeding until after the birth of their cubs. The polar bear keepers have been monitoring the bears' progress remotely on video cameras.
If all goes well, the Zoo hopes to have the three cubs on exhibit by late spring. Until then, Cyrystal, Nan and the cubs will be off-exhibit.
The father of the cubs, 10-year-old Marty, is still on exhibit.
The Toledo Zoo says it participates in a Species Survival Plan (SSP) established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums to help preserve polar bears into the future.
On the Web:
The Toledo Zoo: www.toledozoo.org/
Posted by AEB
