Victoria, the beloved polar bear, leaves behind a legacy of conservation and motherhood.
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Victoria’s life and legacy
Victoria, the UK’s oldest polar bear, has passed away at the age of 28, as announced by the Highland Wildlife Park. Her journey began in December 1996 at Rostock Zoo in Germany, where she was born.
Over the years, Victoria became a cherished resident of the Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig, Scotland, where she lived for the past decade. Her age was remarkable, as polar bears in the wild typically live to around 18 years. This longevity is a testament to the exceptional care provided by her keepers and veterinary team.
A mother’s love
Victoria was not just a polar bear; she was a dedicated mother who brought joy to many. She gave birth to her first cub, a female named Malik, in 2008 at Aalborg Zoo in Denmark. However, it was during her time at the Highland Wildlife Park that she made headlines by becoming a mother to two male cubs, Hamish and Brodie. Hamish, born in 2017, was particularly significant as he was the first polar bear born in the UK in 25 years. Brodie followed in 2021, and both cubs have played essential roles in the breeding program aimed at maintaining a healthy and diverse population of polar bears.
Health challenges and compassionate decisions
In recent months, Victoria faced age-related health issues that prompted the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) to provide her with geriatric care. As her quality of life continued to decline, the charity’s veterinarians made the difficult decision to put her to sleep, prioritizing her wellbeing. David Field, chief executive of RZSS, expressed the profound impact Victoria had on both the staff and the visitors, stating, “Seeing her bring up two big, healthy boys has been a joy for our charity’s dedicated teams and the hundreds of thousands of visitors who have flocked to see the family.”
Continuing her legacy
Victoria’s legacy extends beyond her life; her cubs continue to thrive and contribute to conservation efforts. Brodie remains at the Highland Wildlife Park, living alongside other male polar bears, while Hamish was relocated to Yorkshire Wildlife Park in 2020 as part of the European Endangered Species Programme’s recommendations. This program is crucial for ensuring the survival of polar bears in captivity and maintaining genetic diversity.
As we remember Victoria, we celebrate her life, her role as a mother, and her contributions to wildlife conservation. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures and their habitats for future generations.
