Kincraig Park's polar bear cub explores its world ahead of public debut

They were seen wandering down the hillside in the sunshine, sniffing at food, including hotdogs and sardines, placed on the path by keepers.

It even ventured from its mother’s side to investigate the heather before rejoining her to climb back up to their den for a well-deserved nap.

Head of living collections Douglas Richardson said the “boisterous” cub was proof the attraction’s breeding methods were working.

Until now, the site has been closed to the public to allow the cub and its mother Victoria privacy. But from tomorrow the historic cub will be officially introduced to its adoring public.

Mr Richardson said: "People can't wait to see the new cub and everything has gone absolutely perfectly. Every day the cub is becoming more aware of its surroundings and understanding its ability to interact with its surroundings.

"It is more sure on its feet, walking further and has started running and developing its muscles. It's also incredibly curious and is investigating, licking, biting and shouting at anything new it sees. And if it makes any squealing noises, mum is right there as she's incredibly attentive."

The cub, born the size of a guinea pig, spent the first 76 days of its life being nurtured by its mother in a specially constructed maternity den.

It ventured outside for the first time on March 4 and has recently been introduced to the main hillside enclosure outside.

Animal keepers were delighted to see the cub emerge by its mother's side and venture further than ever before, on the eve of its public bow.

Increasingly brave, it occasionally strayed from Victoria's side to sniff the food or thrust its nose down a mole hill -- its most recent fascination.

After a 20 minute adventure, the cub returned to the den, where it is currently spending up to 23 hours per day sleeping.

But it later re-emerged to play with a chunk of ice that it had removed from its water dish.

Una Richardson, head keeper, said the cub was "developing its own personality".

She said: "Having spent four months in her maternity den, Victoria quickly took the chance to go outside. Understandably, her cub has been more cautious and is still getting used to new sights, smells and sounds. But it is starting to develop its own personality, and becoming more confident every day. 

"Today is the furthest it has dared to venture in to the main enclosure. It's also exploring further from mum, although at one point it was distracted and got left behind. The cub let out a little squeak and mum noticed and ran back."

The cub has developed a following of fans around the world, with children sending handmade cards to the wildlife park at Kincraig, near Kingussie. But staff are advising visitors that the cub may only be visible for small periods of time to begin with.

Ms Richardson added: "While the cub will become more confident and start to explore the large enclosure with Victoria, this will take time and they will always have access to their den for peace and quiet."