Polar Bear love at the Cincinnati Zoo

Little One gives Berit a kiss. They are very fond of each other.

It was almost two years ago that the Cincinnati Zoo's three bears became two, when Rizzo moved to Salt Lake City.

Es war vor fast zwei Jahren, dass aus dem Cincinnati Zoo zwei Bären wurden, weil Rizzo umzog nach Salt Lake City.

Berit may be smaller, but she is dominant.

The big male bear Little One had been most attracted to Rizzo during mating season, and treated Berit as a pal, a good friend, but nothing romantic.  

Den großen männlichen Eisbär Little One hatte esbwährend der Paarungszeit am meisten zu Rizzo zogen und behandelt Berit als Kumpel, eine guteFreundin, aber nichts romantisches.

Little One and Berit

Rizzo and Berit were great girlfriends, and often took naps curled up with each other. Now with Rizzo gone, Little One and Berit have forged a new relationship. They still aren't having any cubs just yet, but they are very affectionate to each other.

Rizzo und Berit waren tolle Freundinnen, und oft nahmen sie ein Nickerchen mit einander zusammengerollt. Nachdem nun Rizzo gegangen ist, haben Little One und Berit eine neue Beziehung geschmiedet. Sie haben noch keine Jungen gezeugt, aber sie sind sehr liebevoll mit einander.

Little One is becoming even more fond of Berit as the years go by

Little One and Berit usually don't sleep next to each other, but they do seek out affection from one another.

In der Regel schlafen sie nicht nebeneinander, aber sie suchen Zuneigung zu einander.

Little Ones gives Berit some attention, and it isn't even mating season

Little One nuzzles Berit's neck

A little love bite from Berit

Little One and Berit

And a little more attention. Berit loves it.

Another playful love bite from Berit

Little One and Berit get friendly

Berit's forehead has marks, probably from rubbing on the bars to scratch.

Little One and Berit notice the photographer. Paparazzi! Privacy please!

Last spring the Cincinnati Zoo staff gave Berit some hormone injections to make her more receptive, and while breeding took place, there are no cubs this year. Maybe next year? These two seem to be ready for spring.

Im vergangenen Frühjahr hat das Cincinnati Zoo Personal Berit einige Hormonspritzen gegeben um sie empfänglicher zu machen, und obwohl die Paarung stattfand, gibt es keine Jungtiere in diesem Jahr. Vielleicht im nächsten Jahr? Diese beiden scheinen bereit für den Frühling sein.

Little One and Berit

Little One and Berit

 Little One just celebrated his 24^th birthday, and Berit will be 15 on December 28.

Little One feierte seinen 24. Geburtstag, und Berit wird 15 am 28. Dezember.

Berit says: "Isn't my boyfriend dreamy?"