Karlsruhe Zoo's Polar Bear Cub Mika Makes Public Debut

The four-month-old cub, born in November, is now viewable under strict visitation limits to ensure its well-being.

Mika, the polar bear cub born in November at Karlsruhe Zoo, has been named following a public vote with nearly 10,000 people selecting the name from three options.
Visitors can now see Mika in person, with strict rules limiting viewing to 50 people at a time for five-minute intervals to minimize stress on the cub and its mother, Nuka.
The cub's birth is considered a significant success for polar bear conservation efforts, highlighting the species' vulnerability due to climate change.
Live footage of Mika's enclosure is displayed on a video screen for those unable to see the cub during their visit or who prefer not to wait in line.
Animal rights group PETA has criticized the zoo's polar bear enclosure and announced protests, arguing that such environments restrict natural behaviors, while the zoo defends its conservation role.