Sea World Polar Bear Shores ~ Little Lullabies Epic Adventures

I was so blessed to see the twin male polar bears, Hudson and Nelson in action at Sea World’s Polar Bear Shores. It’s Australia’s only exhibit where you can see the world’s largest land carnivore up close, and when I say “up-close”, I mean… only inches of glass separating us – UP CLOSE! I got to observe the polar bear’s awe-inspiring physical features, playful behaviours and surprisingly graceful underwater swimming through Polar Bear Shores‘ large underwater viewing windows.

The main pool is up to four metres deep to accommodate the polar bears deep diving. Check out my video to see the male polar bears take giant leaps into the clear water and make the most of the naturalistic environment which is set to replicate the Arctic Summer. It aims to constantly stimulate the polar bears with a cascading waterfall and winding creek, an array of climbing outcrops, fallen trees and a strategically placed rock platform enabling long distance viewing across the exhibit and beyond.

There's so many to choose from but it's definitely one of my favourite Sea World exhibits!

Afterall it's hard to go past a giant polar bear and not be impressed! I was just so fortunate to be there at the right time and capture not just a few minutes but more than half-an-hour of action.

Polar Bear Shores is not only home to Hudson and Nelson, but also Liya, a female polar bear who recently gave birth to the newly named female cub, MISHKA!

The public was asked to vote on a name — either Mishka, Nukka, Arina or Katya — and Mishka came out on top! The name is Inuit and Russian for ‘little bear’, a nod to mum Liya who is Russian, and dad, who's Canadian.

The now three-month old cub is progressing well and is expected to make her first appearance on the Polar Bear Preschool exhibit coming weeks, under the watchful eye of mum, Liya.

Sign up to Sea World’s email subscription and follow them on Facebook and the#seaworldaus to stay tuned for when you can come and the new edition and Liya out of the maternity den.

It was amazing to watch the 13-year-old twins Hudson and Nelson in action and provide an insight into this massive marine mammal’s capabilities. I can’t wait to see newborn Mishka and learn more about what’s life like for a cub.

You can learn all about these amazing creatures by watching my video filled with interesting facts as well as through detailed information boards at Sea World’s Polar Bear Shores enclosure. This truly unique educational experience assists the conservation of the species through raising public awareness about the majestic beauty of these and animals and sadly their declining numbers.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, polar bears are vulnerable; their numbers are declining, and their habitat — sea ice — is shrinking. It is believed that there are only 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears living in the wild.

The IUCN reports that the polar ice cap is predicted to completely melt within the next 100 years. This will leave polar bears without a home and will affect the polar bear population greatly.

Polar bears are listed on the U.S. Endangered Species List as threatened. They are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

I hope you enjoy my videos, if so, please like and subscribe to my Youtube Channel.

Thank you!

Value

Polar Bear Shores can only be accessed by visiting the Sea World theme park. For the best deals on VIP Magic Passes to Sea World (And Movie World, Wet 'N' Wild and paradise Country) check out our Partner's offers, follow this link: https://goo.gl/NfbtsR

Convenience

Sea World is located near the Gold Coast spit. This is not easily accessible by train but local buses, tour coaches and taxis regularly drop off and pick-up. Car parking is free and can get busy during peak times (school holidays, Summer, etc.) We recommend arriving early and making your way to Polar Bear Shores early too! For the best deals on transfers to Sea World and other Gold Coast attractions follow the link: https://goo.gl/ZYXS7i

Customer Service

The Sea World crew are always friendly and helpful. The Polar Bears, on the other hand, can be moody and are not always up for a show ;p It's advised to surprise the children with the experience and not build-up their expectations, just in case you catch the polar bears on one of their less active days. This is why we've only given 4 stars out of 5!

Fun Factor / Age Appropriateness

Staring a 6-foot polar bear in the face can be confronting, even when there's inches of unbreakable glass between you. Parents are advised to make their own assessment based on their own child's personality. It's an amazing opportunity (if you're lucky) to see them live, up-close and personal - an educational experience hard to beat!

Safety

Sea World has done well to find a healthy balance between not compromising safety while optimising, rather than obstructing the view. The exhibit has been designed with children in mind and there are layers of protection to prevent children (and adults) from falling into the enclosure. The toughened glass is strong enough to withstand the might of the massive mammals and the pressure of thousands of gallons of water so everyone can enjoy the amazing perspective from below.

Cross Fingers!

They don't perform on demand. It's really luck of the draw whether you get to see them in action or not.

Play the Odds.

Increase your chances of seeing them in action by arriving early and make your way to the exhibit (the back corner of the theme park) early in the day. Apparently, feeding time is around 10am.

Check all Areas.

There are a number of viewing platforms, ground level, below water level and from above. Take a peek from all angles as sometimes they can be seen from one perspective and not the other.

Down Periscope!

Viewing the Polar Bears swimming from the underwater platform is just phenomenal!! It's best to get perspective on how massive these mammals are and their sheer power is awe-inspiring!

Activities for Kids

Sea World Polar Bear Shores