Last year the breeding of polar bears was not successful in any European zoo. To sustain the polar bear population in captivity new cubs are needed. In Rotterdam Zoo they did the utmost to breed with their female polar bear Tania, which is born and raised in Rotterdam. They built a new enclosure according to all modern standards, and they looked for a good partner for Tania. Although, mating was no problem, there was no reproductive results to celebrate, unfortunately. As Tania is getting older, her contribution to the increase of the polar bear population is doubtful.
Therefore it was decided, together with the committee of the European Endangered species Programme on polar bears, that an exchange with Vienna Zoo’s female Olinka is the best option. Olinka does not have a male partner right now and she did breed successfully with Eric, Rotterdam’s male, some years ago. The exchange of the female polar bears will take place in March 2010, just before the mating season starts. Hopefully, this will bring good news for the polar bear population (in captivity) next year. Tania, from Rotterdam, will be housed in Vienna Zoo temporarily and then be allowed new breeding changes in Munich. (Source: website Rotterdam Zoo, news)