Sugar-sweet bear offspring at
Dessau Animal Park
The year has only just begun when there is already good news from Dessau Zoo: the Ussuri ruffed bears have given birth! Attentive zookeepers had their suspicions early on – there were very clear noises coming from mum Anastasia’s winter den.
However, as is usual with bears, mums are initially rather reserved with their offspring. It was only in the last few days that the team managed to catch a first glimpse of the two little bear cubs. An exact gender determination is still pending – this will be carried out by the vet in the coming days. After that, the exciting question of naming will be addressed.
One thing is certain: Both names will begin with an ‘H’ – a small homage to the Anhalt coat of arms, in which the bear plays a central role. The former princely and ducal family of Anhalt also serves as inspiration. What is unusual in this case is that it is not the first person to discover the cubs who is allowed to name them, but the entire zookeeper team decides together.
And when will we finally be able to admire the two little fur noses outside? It is still unclear when Anastasia will be able to safely take her charges outside for the first time. But one thing is certain: it won’t be too long before they embark on their great adventure in the open-air enclosure.