Despite being so young, the cub – who lives in Denmark – already has millions of fans worldwide. He’s being hand-raised by the Scandinavian Wildlife Park, after his mother failed to produce enough milk to feed him.
Siku, who has become somewhat of a celebrity, has access to much more than just the bare necessities. Three zookeepers keep an eye on him 24/7, making sure the little cub is okay. It is a hands-on job, but the Park manager told reporters Siku is “really doing fine.”
Siku will bear being constantly watched until he’s one year old – and the world looks eager enough to watch along. Millions saw the first video of him – where the cub playfully rolls around and tries to stand up. And despite the fact he will one day become a fearsome predator, right now Siku weights just 7 pounds – and enjoys nothing more than a tummy rub from one of his handlers.
Many have suggested Siku bears a resemblance to Knut, the polar bear from Berlin Zoo who also captured the attentions of admirers around the globe. He was also orphaned at birth, and was raised in the German capital’s zoo. Sadly, Knut died at age 4 from encephalitis – but staff at the Scandinavian Wildlife Park hope Siku will enjoy a much longer and healthier life.