Highland Wildlife Park's polar bear cub confirmed as a boy after health check

Highland Wildlife Park’s polar bear cub has been confirmed as a boy following its first routine health check.

Keepers at the Highland conservation charity revealed he was in good health following the check-up on Wednesday, where he was also chipped and vaccinated.

The unnamed cub – born to mum Victoria and dad Arktos in December – is the UK’s youngest polar bear.

Victoria previously gave birth to Hamish in 2017, which was the UK’s first polar bear cub in 25 years.

Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at the park, said: “After watching Victoria and her cub closely on CCTV over the winter, it is very exciting to find out we have a little boy and that he is in good health.

“He is already becoming more confident every day and it is incredible to see him grow and develop.

“In the coming weeks we are going to be asking the public for their help in naming our newest arrival.”

Public viewing is still closed to give Victoria and her youngster lots of peace and quiet.

In a few weeks, the cub will be introduced to his large outdoor enclosure, where the public will be able to try and spot him.

Mr Gilchrist added: “We will be sure to keep everyone updated when the cub starts to explore outdoors.”