Adorable wolverine kits explore outside for the first time
ADORABLE photos show two baby wolverine kits exploring outdoors for the first time after being born at Dudley Zoo.
The ten-week-old youngsters are the first of their kind born at the attraction and were welcomed on February 20 as part of a breeding programme to help save the threatened species.
The cute kits have now been snapped enjoying the spring sunshine in their paddock under the watchful eye of mum Helga.
It was the first time they had ever ventured outdoors by themselves and delighted staff and visitors with their playful antics.
Carnivore section leader, Sam Grove, said: 'It's wonderful to see the kits starting to venture outside more now the weather is getting warmer.
'They've already lost their initial white fur and have now developed the typical dark wolverine colouration, like mum and dad.
'They seem very lively and Helga is certainly being kept on her toes with them both running around.
'But she's still very protective of them and when she decides they've had enough, she will pick them up and carry them back into the den for a rest.'
Dad Floki is said to be taking a keen interest in his offspring even though male wolverines do not help with the rearing of youngsters.
Wolverines are listed as 'threatened' with their numbers declining in the wild (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS) Wolverines are listed as 'threatened' with their numbers declining in the wild across northern areas of Canada, Europe, western Russia and Siberia.
Their population has steadily declined since the 19th century due to trapping, range reduction and habitat fragmentation.
Although not currently an endangered species, the number of wolverines found in the wild is declining, so breeding programmes like the European Endangered Species Programme Helga and Floki are paired for, continue to be significant to their survival.
Sam added: "It is very exciting news for us and incredible news for the species.
"The number of wolverines found in the wild is declining, so breeding programmes like the European Endangered Species Programme Helga and Floki are paired for, continue to be significant to their survival."
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