Nuremberg's star polar bear Flocke headed to the French Riviera
Nuremberg’s favourite polar bear Flocke is leaving Germany next year for a more glamorous location in the south of France, the city announced on Wednesday.
Flocke, who plays second-fiddle to Berlin’s world famous polar bear Knut, will take up residence at the Marineland zoo in Antibes on the French Riviera. She will be accompanied by her playmate Rasputin after a recommendation from the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).
The French zoo is constructing a new pen that will provide “very good living conditions” for the bear, which will include Europe’s only seawater pool for the species.
Another polar bear is expected to take her place as a breeding partner for her mother Vera, the city of Nuremberg reported, adding that the EEP would decide on the new furry addition.
The zoo has known for some time that Flocke, whose name means “Snowflake” in German, would not be allowed to stay with them indefinitely.
“But we are hoping for offspring and are excited about the new polar bear,” a spokeswoman said.
Flocke was born in December 2007 and brought up by hand. Her playmate Rasputin came from Moscow in late 2008.
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Flocke, who plays second-fiddle to Berlin’s world famous polar bear Knut, will take up residence at the Marineland zoo in Antibes on the French Riviera. She will be accompanied by her playmate Rasputin after a recommendation from the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).
The French zoo is constructing a new pen that will provide “very good living conditions” for the bear, which will include Europe’s only seawater pool for the species.
Another polar bear is expected to take her place as a breeding partner for her mother Vera, the city of Nuremberg reported, adding that the EEP would decide on the new furry addition.
The zoo has known for some time that Flocke, whose name means “Snowflake” in German, would not be allowed to stay with them indefinitely.
“But we are hoping for offspring and are excited about the new polar bear,” a spokeswoman said.
Flocke was born in December 2007 and brought up by hand. Her playmate Rasputin came from Moscow in late 2008.
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