Polar bear Brodie’s staycation at Yorkshire Wildlife Park boosted fundraising efforts to help save the endangered species

Brodie, who has temporarily moved from Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland whilst they carry out building work in his enclosure, has inspired visitors to increase donations.

The park hosted Brodie’s Burns Weekend in January, which raised over £730, helping achieve the £5,000 target for the year for Polar Bear’s International.

Now to mark International Polar Bear Day tomorrow (Friday 27 January) The Wildlife Foundation, the charity based at the park, has donated the £5,000 to Polar Bear International extending their partnership.

Cheryl Williams, Trustee of the Foundation, revealed: “We are delighted to be able to continue to support Polar Bear International’s Mission.

“Donations enable the organisation's conservation, research and outreach work with polar bears and arctic communities.

“PBI has worked with YWP and the Foundation since 2014 when Project Polar opened to educate people about the serious threats that polar bears are facing and to engage people to help us save this amazing, beautiful species that lives in the world’s harshest environment. There is more work to do so we shall continue our work to fundraise."

YWP, which has the UK’s largest collection of polar bears, has been Polar Bear International’s UK Arctic Ambassador Centre for 12 years.

Climate change continues to blight polar bear populations with certain populations suffering a 40% loss in numbers.

Mis Williams added: “We are proud to partner with Polar Bears International and fund their vital mission.

“Brodie’s arrival has definitely inspired more donations from visitors, which are invaluable in contributing towards the conservation mission."

Brodie has already been introduced to Nobby, one of the 6 other polar bear boys at the park – the first time he has met another of his species. He has not yet met his big brother Hamish, who moved from Scotland to Project Polar five years ago. He will be staying in Yorkshire for six months to a year. Experts from YWP have been assessing Brodie’s behaviour as he gets used to his new surroundings.

Dr Charlotte MacDonald, The Director of Animals, said: “Brodie has settled in really well.

“He has been enjoying playing with Nobby. It is quite an experience for him, who hadn’t met any other polar bears apart from his mother before coming to Yorkshire.

“His brother, Hamish, is used to being the centre of attention so it will be interesting to see what he thinks to the new kid on the block!”

Project Polar is a leading centre in the study of polar bears and the mission to save the species that is under threat from disappearing habitat caused by global warming.

The area spans 10 acres and was designed to replicate the Arctic tundra found in North Canada during the summer. In addition to Brodie, it is home to Nobby, Hamish, Luka, Sisu, Indiana and Yuma.

Donations can be made online at www.wildlife-foundation.org.uk or www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com .

Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which puts conservation at the heart of all its activities, offers visitors a mesmerising walk-through experience coming almost face-to-face with some of the world’s most beautiful and at-risk species, including Polar Bears, Black Rhinos, Giraffes and African Painted Dogs.