Polar Bear Brodie Moving to Yorkshire Wildlife Park to Meet His Brother Hamish

Picture this: you're packing your bags for a bit of a holiday, but instead of heading to the beach, you're off to meet your long-lost brother for the first time in years. That’s pretty much the story for Brodie, an adorable polar bear who’s about to make a big trip. He's swapping the stunning landscapes of Scotland for a temporary staycation at the famous Yorkshire Wildlife Park. But this isn't just any trip; it's a family reunion that has been five years in the making. Brodie is set to meet his older brother, Hamish, and honestly, the excitement is building for what’s sure to be an amazing introduction.

A holiday with a purpose

So, why the big move? Is Brodie just after a change of scenery? Not quite. His home at Highland Wildlife Park, run by the wildlife conservation charity, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, is getting a bit of a makeover. Think of it like your bedroom getting redecorated. While the decorators are in, it’s much easier to stay somewhere else. That’s exactly what’s happening with Brodie’s habitat. Creating a brilliant home for a polar bear isn't a small job; these enclosures are massive, complex environments designed to keep the animals happy and healthy, with plenty of space to roam and things to do. While the work is underway, Brodie gets to have an extended holiday down in Doncaster.

This temporary move, planned for early December 2025, is a brilliant solution. It means the work on his Scottish home can happen without disturbing him, and he gets an exciting new adventure. The team at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland will miss him, of course. As Darren McGarry, head of living collections at RZSS, said, “While we will miss Brodie while he’s on his holidays, it is great to be able to fully concentrate on the work needed in his habitat.” It’s a classic win-win situation, really. The team gets the space they need, and Brodie gets a road trip and a family get-together. This kind of careful planning is a huge part of modern animal conservation efforts.

Getting ready for the big trip

Now, you can’t just pop a polar bear in the back of a van. Moving an animal this size from Scotland to Doncaster takes a lot of careful prep. The keepers, who know Brodie best, have been working with him for weeks on something called crate training. This sounds a bit strange, but it’s actually a really clever and kind way to get an animal ready for travel. Instead of the move being a scary surprise, crate training makes the travel crate a safe and familiar space for Brodie. The keepers use positive reinforcement, probably lots of tasty treats, to encourage him to go into the crate on his own. It turns a potentially stressful experience into just another part of his routine. A happy bear makes for a much smoother journey!

The whole process is a testament to the dedication of the RZSS team. They’re not just looking after Brodie’s physical health but his mental well-being too. The news, published on 24th November 2025, highlights just how much work goes on behind the scenes at these amazing wildlife parks. This isn't just a move; it's a carefully coordinated operation focused entirely on what's best for Brodie, the young polar bear born back in 2021.

A family reunion at Project Polar

The most exciting part of this story is the reunion. Once Brodie arrives at Yorkshire Wildlife Park and has had a bit of time to settle in, he’ll be introduced to his older brother, Hamish. Hamish made the same journey from Scotland five years ago and has been living his best life at the park’s incredible polar bear habitat, known as Project Polar. This place is one of the largest polar reserves in the world, with massive lakes for the bears to swim and play in, and acres of land to explore. There’s even a fun video of Brodie splashing about in the water at his current home, so he's sure to love the facilities at his new temporary home.

Will they remember each other? Who knows! But the teams at both parks are buzzing to find out. Brodie will have his big brother and a whole bunch of new friends to meet. Dr Charlotte MacDonald, the animal director at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, is especially excited. She 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’ll be quite an experience for him!”

It’s a personal story for her, too. “Personally, I am particularly excited as I used to work at RZSS and knew Brodie and Hamish’s mother, Victoria. She was a great mum to both boys.” Knowing their mum gives this reunion an even more heart-warming feel. Everyone will be watching closely to see how the two brothers get on when they finally meet after all this time.

More than just polar bears

While Brodie is the star of the show right now, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a bustling place with loads going on. It's a real hub of activity and home to some truly incredible animals. The park famously provided a safe home for a group of lions rescued from Ukraine, giving them a chance at a peaceful life. Recently, a new hyena has also settled in, and visitors have been delighted by the antics of a cute new baby monkey. It’s a place full of amazing stories of rescue and conservation.

And it's not just about the animals. The park is also famous for its stunning winter illuminations, an event that transforms the grounds into a magical wonderland of light each year. So, when people visit to hopefully catch a glimpse of Brodie and Hamish having a play, they'll find a whole world of other amazing creatures and experiences waiting for them. Brodie's decision to move temporarily couldn't have come at a better time. From the mighty polar bears of Project Polar to the tiniest baby monkey, there’s a real sense of community and care at the Doncaster park.