Polar bear frolics puts conservation in the frame

Today is International Polar Bear Day and Sea World’s big white furballs celebrated with a refreshing dip in the theme park’s ice-cold lagoon.

THEY say that every dog has its day - but so too do polar bears.

Today is International Polar Bear Day and Sea World’s big white furballs celebrated with a refreshing dip in the theme park’s ice-cold Polar Bear Shores lagoon, a frolic with toys and a feast of some of their favourite treats.

While the antics of 17-year-old twin bears Hudson and Nelson delighted visitors, supervisor Matt Coogan said the animals also helped convey an important message on the worldwide day of action led by conservation group Polar Bears International.

“At Sea World, guests can get an insight into Polar Bears in an environment which provides a unique and educational experience that assists, through a wider public awareness, the conservation efforts of the species,” he said.

Mr Coogan said the main threat to polar bears in the wild was the rapid loss of sea ice due to global warming.

“For this year’s celebrations, we held a range of presentations and activities to help Sea World guests understand how human actions affect Polar Bears, and what they can do to help.

“To celebrate the day, we created a dynamic enrichment program for Hudson and Nelson and decorated Polar Bear Shores with some of their favourite foods, treats and toys.”

Mr Coogan said the main threat to polar bears in the wild was the rapid loss of sea ice due to global warming, but pollution, increased commercial use of the Arctic, disease and inadequate habitat protection were also impacting the species.

“The Polar Bears at Sea World are ambassadors for their species and play a vital role in raising awareness of the effects of global warming,” he said.