UK's first wolverine cubs born at Cotswold Wildlife Park

Three wolverine cubs have been born at the Cotswolds attraction.

Cotswold Wildlife Park has announced that the UK’s first ever wolverine cubs were born on-site at the end of January 2012, as part of its European endangered species breeding programme.

The three cubs, born to resident wolverines Sharapova and her mate Sarka, are an incredibly rare sight, with the Park having the only collection in Europe to have successfully bred this year.

There are just 80 wolverines believed to be in existence in captivity worldwide.

As wolverines feature in many Finnish myths and legends, the cubs have been given names from the same country: Ensin, meaning ‘first’, as they are the first to be born in this country, Nalka, meaning ‘hungry’, due to their voracious appetite, and Niemi, named after the curator’s daughter.

The trio were born blind with cream coloured fur, and spent approximately nine weeks in their den before venturing out to explore the neighbouring woodland enclosure, giving keepers and visitors their first glimpse of the rare cubs.

Wolverines are notorious for their power and ferocity, and are well-known for their huge appetite. They possess one of the most powerful bites per square inch of any mammal, in fact.

Jamie Craig, curator of Cotswold Wildlife Park, said: ‘The Wolverines are a particular favourite at the Park and certainly do not deserve their fearsome reputation! Having said that, Sharapova is extremely protective of her cubs and keeps a close eye on the inquisitive male, Sarka.

‘We are delighted to be the first UK collection to breed this species and the cubs will eventually move on to become important breeding animals in other European zoos.’

For more information contact Cotswold Wildlife Park on (01993) 823006.

© SoGlos

Wednesday 25 April 2012