This footage was filmed and produced 25 February 2024.

As World Polar Bear Day approaches, the male polar bears at Vienna Zoo are shining a light on the challenges faced by their wild counterparts in the Arctic. With global warming causing the ice to melt beneath their paws, polar bears are struggling to find food and are increasingly venturing into populated areas, leading to more human-animal conflicts.

A recent study has shown that starving polar bears are struggling to adapt to the changing environment, with many searching for alternative food sources on land during extended periods without pack ice. This ultimately leads to increased energy expenditure, particularly affecting young polar bears who are at risk of starvation.

Vienna Zoo is actively involved in polar bear research, supporting organizations like Polar Bears International and aiding in the tracking of polar bears in the Arctic. Visitors can follow the journey of the 19-year-old female polar bear, Arctic Ambassador, on the PBI website, as she likely tends to her offspring in a den.

In light of these challenges, the exhibition "Arctic - Polar World in Transition" at the Natural History Museum Vienna is drawing attention to the effects of global warming on polar bears and the delicate Arctic ecosystem. The exhibition will run until September 22, 2024, providing visitors with valuable insights into the plight of these iconic animals.