Mercedes the Canadian Bear meets Walker the Dutch Polar Bear

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Walker the Polar Bear makes waves near Aviemore

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Mercedes the Canadian Polar Bear meets Walker the Dutch Polar Bear, Walker explores his new enclosure near Kincraig, Scotland. Images and text: Aaron Sneddon

The "tunnel" or caged walkway between the former wolf enclosure and the main polar bear enclosure was opened up, walker has a sniff.

Another sniff, a look both ways, and walker was off.

Climbing up the hill toward the lookout platform, turning and twisting, rolling and sliding down the hill.

A rabbit, roaming about, met its match, for a while Walker dissapeared after chasing the rabbit, likely visitors to the Highland Wildlife Park will see Walker roaming about with the rabbit in the coming days.

Douglas, the animal collection manager, knows the bears well. Grabbing a stick, douglas throws it into the pond. SPLASH, Walker dives in, obviously an expert swimmer, dissapearing for a moment, walker obviously enjoys the water, splashing and swimming. Climbing out, Walker munches on the apples, clearly not a vegetarian going by his previous activity with the rabbit, Walker appears naturally to understand the 5 a day health deal going on here in the UK.

Walking up to where Mercedes was sitting, on the opposite side of the cage, Mercedes lets out a few almighty roar, walker tries his almighty, but lets out only a little growl, we know who is now the boss.

Time will tell as to how the two polar bears progress in their relationship, Walker is curious, Mercedes not so curious, walker clearly being the child and Mercedes the elder.

Aaron Sneddon