Polar bear tested for hay fever

Victor, a 620 kg polar bear, is given an allergy test at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park after he began suffering from abscesses on his feet. Credit: PA

A polar bear at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park has been tested for hay fever after staff suspected an allergic reaction to it's new enclosure.

12 members of staff were needing to help give the 97.6 stone (620kg) bear the allergy test.

The major operation was put in place after Victor and his smaller friend,Nobby, began suffering from abscesses on their feet.

Staff suspected it was caused by an allergic reaction to pollen after movingfrom concrete bear pit enclosures elsewhere to a more natural setting.

His feet became swollen after moving enclosures Credit: PA

Dermatologists from Liverpool University were brought in to carry out tests on Victor's skin, once he had safely been put under, to verify the theory.

The results will be known in the coming days.

12 people were needed to help do the tests Credit: PA