Polar bears come nose to nose at Scottish zoo

Polar bears Walker and Arktos make friends in their Scottish enclosure. Credit: Press Association

Walker the polar bear got nose to nose with his new companion for the first time, as the pair had a playful wrestle in their shared enclosure.

Four-year-old Arktos is being gradually introduced to his younger counterpart at the Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig, Kingussie, where staff say they are "getting on well".

The pair are the only two polar bears on show to the public in the UK.

Arktos arrived from Hanover Zoo in Germany on April 4 in the hope he would become a new playmate for three-year-old Walker.

Keepers at the park say young male polar bears tend to respond well to each other and it is hoped they will establish a relationship of "friendly competitiveness".

Arktos was housed next to Walker's enclosure and, after a short settling-in period, the two bears are being allowed to spend increasing amounts of time together in their five-acre enclosure.

Both have caught the scent of each other and Arktos is said to be getting familiar with the facility.