Sea World extending Polar Bear Shores

[kujotess]

Cute animated commercial for the new baby polar bear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9_CmTEiPis

Edited September 16, 2013 by kujotess

[Park Addict 93]

The funniest thing about that ad (from the Press Release)

Nelson will not meet his son for several years, if ever, due to the risk that he may harm the cub as sometimes observed in the wild.

[Park Addict 93]

We are so excited to announce that our gorgeous Polar Bear cub, Henry, will be making his public debut TOMORROW at Polar Bear Shores ‘Polar Pre-School’. Please keep in mind though that he is still a baby, and like all babies, he needs regular naps. So if he isn’t out playing when you are there, make sure you hang around – or come back and visit him soon! Henry has been named after Henry Hudson whodiscovered Hudson Bay, where Hudson and Nelson were rescued from. Although we had originally planned to run a naming competition, this name seemed fitting to honour the cub’s heritage and inquisitive personality. We will, however, be holding a very exciting competition where you can design a cub-related t-shirt, and the winning shirt will be made and sold at Sea World! Plus, the winner will also win some great prizes. We’ll be launching this very soon, so stay tuned!

Source : Sea World Official Facebook

MEDIA RELEASE

Saturday 21 September 2013

Sea World’s Baby Polar Bear

Set to Make his Public Debut

Sea World’s baby Polar Bear ‘Henry’ is set to make his public début at ‘Polar Pre-School’ on Saturday 21 September.

The 19 week old cub is sure to delight Sea World’s crowds with his playful and inquisitive nature as he explores the brand new exhibit, Polar Pre-School.

Sea World’s Director of Marine Sciences Trevor Long said that this is a huge milestone not only for Sea World, but for Polar Bears in the wild.

“I think everyone will fall in love with this gorgeous little bear and that’s a great situation for all Polar Bears as he will help to raise awareness and to create empathy for this vulnerable species.

“It was so wonderful to watch him the very first time he entered Polar Pre-School. His mum Liya stood at the entry to the area, not sure whether to go in or not, but little Henry was off like a shot, climbing on the rocks, digging in the ice and pulling leaves off the trees.

“With some encouragement from mum, he also took his first big swim which was such a tender moment. Liya actually used her head and paws to make sure he was okay and even gave him a big cuddle in the pool.

“There has been so much anticipation from Sea World guests and all of the staff for this moment and I can’t wait to see the faces of our guests as they see this little cub for the first time.

The $1.5M extension to Polar Bear Shores, Polar Pre-School, allows for Liya and the cub as well as the twin male bears Hudson and Nelson to be viewed by the public at the same time.

“Polar Pre-School is a wonderfully enriching environment featuring a large pool, various substrates and natural vegetation as well as foraging pits for Liya and Henry to dig and play in.

Mr Long said while the first 150 days are critical, the Sea World team is pleased to see that everything is progressing smoothly and Liya is a fantastic mum who takes wonderful care of her cub.

Polar Bear Shores is the only exhibit in Australia where guests can see the world's largest land carnivore up close, and one that provides a unique educational experience that assists the conservation effort of this perfectly adapted marine mammal through wider public awareness.

Sea World’s Polar Bears are ambassadors for their species and play a vital role in raising awareness of the effects of global warming. Current research indicates that Polar Bear numbers in the wild are declining, with 20,000 – 25,000 bears remaining worldwide.

The best way to see the baby Polar Bear is with a VIP Pass and if you purchase before 30 September 2013, you’ll receive a free upgrade to the VIP Gold Pass. That’s unlimited entry to Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast until 30 June 2014 as well as a free entry into Movie World’s Fright Nights and White Christmas events from only $79.99. For more information on Sea World Gold Coast visit the website or to purchase tickets, visit ThemeParks.com.au or call 133 FUN.

Edited September 21, 2013 by Jordan M.

[aussienetman]

I hate that animated commercial! I thought seaworld was about education !!!!!!!

Edited September 23, 2013 by Richard

[kujotess]

Saw the baby polar bear today.. Went to check it out around 11am and it was closed because the cub was sleeping.. Went back around 12:30pm and there was a line of people so you would guess that it's out with its mum. The enclosure is small so they could only let a certain amount of people in for around 3 minutes before letting the next load in, which IMO i think is a great idea. Although waiting for a short while for your turn was a struggle as there is no shade and on a hot day like today it felt like you would melt before you even make it in the enclosure. The cub was a massive hit and very cute.

[tronj]

Great pictures, thanks for posting. I was in two German zoos recently and the enclosures were very small and the bears seemed to have some psychological problems. The new one here looks quite a lot better.

[jjuttp]

Great pictures, thanks for posting. I was in two German zoos recently and the enclosures were very small and the bears seemed to have some psychological problems. The new one here looks quite a lot better.

Every captive animal has these problems. But along as they meet X standards regarding enclosure sizes, they're in the clear.

[ShakeShack]

Here is a Video of the new exhibit.

And here is a Video of Henry in his new Home.

[aussienetman]

Henry is coming to channel ten He has to be one of the most photographed babies of 2013 only second to Prince George and one of the most adorable sights you will ever see. It is time to meet Henry.Join Carrie Bickmore as she takes you behind the scenes for an intimate experience into the very earliest days in a little polar bears life. See how this healthy cub came to be the first in Sea Worlds polar bear program and the first born anywhere in Australia in more than two decades. Meet his parents Liya and Nelson, and the incredible team of animal husbandry experts that made a difficult and delicate process, a reality.Named after Henry Hudson, the famous explorer who discovered Hudson Bay in Canada, Henry, like his namesake, has already proven to be quite the adventurer, boldly exploring his new surroundings. Watch as this seriously cute white ball of energy takes his first steps, discovers ice, and takes the plunge and learns to swim. 6pm, Sunday December 14, on TEN

[lolman123]

At Three month of age Henry has graduated polar preschool today and has moved up to polar bear shores. Henry has mastered swimming to the bottom of the 4 metre deep tank and enjoys running around in his new enclosure. SeaWorld has rumoured that there may be another cub on the way but can't confirm. SeaWorld stated there breeding program has Bean a success and that have enjoyed watching Henry grow.

Edited June 26, 2014 by lolman123

[Brad2912]

Think you will find he is much older than 3 months given.

He was 19 weeks old when he exhibit opened in Sept last year. That would put him over 12 months old

[lolman123]

Sorry, but it won't let me edit

[themagician]

Henry is now leaving SW

The time has come to wish Henry a Bon Voyage! Having reached an age where his mother, Liya has naturally weaned him off, Henry will be moving to the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat in Canada on the 3rd of October, to play an integral role in the International Polar Bear breeding program. This facility shares the same dedication and standards as Sea World to the conservation, care and well-being of Polar bears and is the perfect place for Henry to continue his development.

[BigKev]

Lucky Henry. 

[iwerks]

Hope he knows that. I trust he's going to a better place. I understand why they have to do it. I think it's going to be really rough on him in the meantime. Good luck, Henry.

[Santa07]

There must be a mistake, I'm not moving to Canada because my name's Henry... bad joke

I'm sure it will be best in the long run. Good luck little guy.

[XxMrYoshixX]

Well that's good news for Henry. He'll have a great time in Canada.