Sea World's as yet unnamed polar bear cub has thrilled its keepers by taking its first steps just nine weeks after its birth. The cub now weighs six kilograms and is a bout the size of a two month old labrador puppy.
The cub's development is coming along nicely according to Sea World director of marine sciences Trevor Long.
"We are delighted to see the little cub taking its first steps inside the maternity den and we look forward to introducing [mother] Liya and the cub to the 'Cub Kindy' play area in the coming weeks. The area will also feature a camera from which cub highlights will be shown on 'Cub Cam' throughout the day at Sea World," Long said.
Sea World has begun construction of a $1.5 million extension to the Polar Bear Shores area in preperation for the cub's next stage of life. It will allow mother Liya, the cub and twin males Nelson and Hudson to be viewed together by the public.