Mercedes set to give warm welcome to new arrival

FOR 14 years she has been the UK's only polar bear, living quietly as a spinster since her beloved partner Barney died.

But Christmas will come early for Mercedes after a very special package arrives tomorrow night, with a polar bear playmate inside.

Twenty-three-month-old Walker is set to join Mercedes after he got too big for his pen at Rhenen Zoo, in Holland.

Now it is hoped that 30-year-old Mercedes, who last year moved to the Highland Wildlife Park from Edinburgh Zoo, will impart some parental wisdom to the cheeky youngster.

The park has expanded Mercedes' already palace-sized playpen, just in case they don't take to each other.

However, Douglas Richardson, animal collection manager for the Highland Wildlife Park, said they weren't expecting the pair to give each other the cold shoulder.

He said: "We're very excited about the arrival. One of the most satisfying things is that Rhenen Zoo specifically wanted us to take Walker because of the huge size of the enclosure and the weather here.

"There is only one degree of difference between the average temperature at the park and Mercedes' home country of Canada, so conditions are ideal here.

"We weren't going to take another polar bear until Mercedes died, but Walker needed a new home because his mother is pregnant again and he was getting in the way.

He added: "We're prepared in case Mercedes is a bit unsure and lashes out, but we're confident they'll like each other."

Mr Richardson explained that Walker and Mercedes will be separated by a barrier until they get used to each other. Within a week or two, the duo will share four acres of land and a swimming pool.

Mr Richardson said: "We'll be keeping a close eye on them. Obviously Mercedes hasn't had company since Barney died, so we'll be watching for signs of distress or aggravation. She'll be getting her favourite treats - sweetcorn, eels and venison - to help her settle in.

"Although polar bears are generally solitary animals, they have an excellent memory. Mercedes has been with other bears before so we are expecting the introduction to go fairly smoothly.

"Walker will not reach sexual maturity for at least another three years so should present no threat to Mercedes. Being a teenager he does have a cheeky side, but we expect him to see Mercedes as a mother figure, having been recently separated from his own mother. In the future, Walker will be moved to a new enclosure on the other side of the park."

Mr Richardson revealed that there were plans to breed Walker when he has reached maturity.

He said: "Obviously Mercedes is past it, but when he's grown up we're looking to breed him with a lady bear. He will be our future breeding male, but another polar bear won't be brought here until Mercedes passes away."