Brodie The Polar Bear Moving To Yorkshire Wildlife Park To Meet His Brother Hamish?

There is a bit of a shake-up happening in the world of Scottish wildlife and it involves one very special polar bear. Brodie, who is the youngest polar bear in Scotland, is getting ready to pack his bags for a little trip. He is temporarily leaving his home at the Highland Wildlife Park and heading south to Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

But this is not just a random holiday. It is a chance for his own home to get a much-needed upgrade and, even more excitingly, for him to finally meet his older brother Hamish. It is a big move for the young bear and everyone is working hard to make sure his journey is as smooth as possible.

Brodie's big adventure to Yorkshire

So why the sudden move? It is all down to some home improvement. Brodie's habitat at the Highland Wildlife Park is scheduled for building work and it is easier to get the job done without a curious polar bear wandering about. The park, run by the wildlife conservation charity the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), decided the best plan was to send Brodie on a temporary holiday. And what better place than a park where his own brother lives? The move is planned for early December 2025, so preparations are in full swing.

You cannot just pop a polar bear into the back of a van. Moving an animal this big takes a lot of planning. Keepers from RZSS are working closely with Brodie on something called crate training. It sounds odd, but it is a brilliant way to make the move less stressful. They are helping Brodie get used to the special travel crate so it feels safe and familiar. This positive reinforcement training ensures that when the day arrives, the whole experience is calm. It is a perfect example of modern conservation work prioritising animal welfare.

Darren McGarry, head of living collections at RZSS, said: “While we will miss Brodie while he is on his holidays, it is great to be able to fully concentrate on the work needed in his habitat.” The move benefits both the habitat project and Brodie’s long-term welfare.

A family reunion in Doncaster

The real excitement begins when Brodie arrives at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster. That is where he will meet his older brother Hamish for the very first time. Hamish was also born at the Highland Wildlife Park in 2018, but he moved to Yorkshire in 2020, so the two brothers have never crossed paths.

The team at RZSS cannot wait to see the interaction. McGarry added: “His brother Hamish has been amazingly cared for by the team down at Yorkshire and we know they will look after Brodie with the same expertise. We cannot wait to see how they interact when they are introduced.” Hamish is a firm visitor favourite in Yorkshire and the meeting between the two brothers will be a huge moment for keepers and guests alike.

Their mother, Victoria, was well loved and known for being a great mum. The reunion feels like a continuation of her legacy and highlights the strong bonds that exist within polar bear conservation programmes.

What is happening at Project Polar?

Brodie is heading to one of the best polar bear habitats in the world. Project Polar at Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a vast, innovative conservation space with lakes, caves and rolling landscapes designed to mirror the bear’s natural Arctic world as closely as possible. For a young polar bear full of curiosity, it is paradise.

Dr Charlotte MacDonald, the animal director at the park, said:

“We are so looking forward to welcoming Brodie and seeing what he makes of his big brother Hamish and his other new friends here at Project Polar. It will be quite an experience for him.”

She added that she knew their mother from her time at RZSS, making the reunion personally meaningful too.

Back in Scotland, visitors will still be able to see Arktos and Walker, the park’s other male bears. Their habitat has been recently improved, so there will still be plenty of polar bear activity for guests at the Highland Wildlife Park.

How to say cheerio to Brodie

Anyone wanting to say goodbye before Brodie heads off needs to be quick. The Highland Wildlife Park is encouraging visitors to see him before 30 November 2025. Brodie was born in December 2021, so he is still young, energetic and full of personality. It is a great chance to see him one last time before his temporary Yorkshire adventure.

This move shows how wildlife parks and conservation charities collaborate to provide the best lives for their animals. Brodie’s trip allows essential habitat upgrades but also gives him a huge opportunity to socialise and form a bond with Hamish. It is a win for the park and a win for the bears.

All eyes are now on early December, when Brodie makes his journey south for what promises to be a heartwarming and exciting family reunion at Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Project Polar.