Tierpark Berlin’s Polar Bear cub ventured outdoors for the first time recently. Keepers watched with pride as the cub left the den with her mother, Tonja, and explored the outdoor exhibit for the very first time.

“Today is an extremely special day for the entire team here at Tierpark Berlin,” reported Tierpark Director, Dr. Andreas Knieriem. “After months of nervous waiting and crossing our fingers, I can hardly put the feeling of relief into words. We are delighted that visitors will finally get to see our little Polar Bear...”

Photo Credits: Tierpark Berlin

The cub was born December 1, 2018 and spent the first three and a half months of her life with her mother, Tonja, in their maternity den. During that time, the helpless and tiny newborn grew into a strong and sturdy little bear.

“We are still extremely pleased with how the cub is developing,” said Polar Bear curator, Dr. Florian Sicks. “She has become so active and confident on her own four paws that it was clearly time for her to get outdoors.”

According to keepers, the cub has gained a lot of strength and confidence, so much so that during her second veterinary examination, she made it impossible for the team to weigh and measure her!

During her first introduction of the exhibit, the spritely young bear had hardly emerged from the den before she was off on a thorough exploration of her new surroundings. She clambered boldly over the rocks and even splashed around in the large pool.

“Young Polar Bears know instinctively how to swim as soon as they are big enough to leave the den with their mothers,” explained Sicks.

Protective mum Tonja never let her daughter out of her sight and was always standing by in case help was required.

According to the Zoo, Tonja and her cub will be spending time outdoors every day and will be on view to Tierpark visitors. Since outdoor adventures are rather tiring for small bears, the cub will still need to take regular rests with her mother in their den. The pair will therefore only be outside for a few hours at a time, especially in the early days.

The young Polar Bear is currently still yet-to-be-named, but Tierpark Berlin is in the process of deciding on the cub’s sponsor, which will then be involved in choosing a name. A decision on both the sponsor and the name is expected to be reached in early April.