Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien recorded a major first in Canada this week—one that few zoos anywhere in the world have had the chance to experience—when one of its residents, a female polar bear named Aisaqvaq, gave birth to two cubs on Monday, November 30, 2009. The first cub was born at 7:48 p.m. and the second followed at 10:22 p.m.

Aisaqvaq gave birth to a cub on December 3, 2008, but then ate it, to the extreme disappointment of Zoo employees. This time, however, things are going well. Aisaqvaq is exhibiting good maternal behavior and doing an outstanding job caring for her little ones, who are quick to vocalize if they’re at all uncomfortable.

A den was designed specifically for birthing and while the first cub was born outside it, Aisaqvaq quickly brought him into its confines. The second cub was born in the den and all three have since remained within it, making it impossible to find out whether the cubs are male or female.

Captivating videos of the births of polar bear cubs and of the female caring for her young have been caught.

On the picture: The new mom, Aisaqvaq, holds a cub in her mouth. The other cub is on the ground at the bottom right.
 

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Second cub’s birth

Moving around

Feeding the cubs