Sea World celebrates as polar cub turns 1

Gold Coast theme park Sea World has thrown a party for polar bear cub Mishka's first birthday.

Polar bear cub Mishka is seen with her mother Liya at Sea World.

Mishka the polar bear celebrated her first birthday with her mother at Sea World on the Gold Coast. (AAP)

Nothing says happy birthday more than cake - even if it's a watermelon and fish one.

Gold Coast theme park Sea World celebrated the first birthday of polar bear cub Mishka on Thursday with the culinary creation, which got a lick of approval from the guest of honour.

Mishka's home at the Polar Bear Shores exhibit was turned into birthday central with everything you would expect for a bub's big day including presents, toys and treats.

But it was the cake which caught Mishka's attention, quickly scoffing the watermelon candles before digging into the 'ice'-ing to discover the fishy treats within.

The healthy appetite doesn't seem to be unusual behaviour for Mishka, who now weighs in at 110kg and measures over 1.5m tall when standing on her hind legs.

Polar Bear Shores supervisor Tacha Mulligan said Thursday's celebration was a big moment for Mishka, mum Liya and Sea World staff.

"Occasions such as these provide a great opportunity for our bears to experience a range of different smells and textures," Ms Mulligan said.

"Mishka has recently moved into the Polar Bear Shores exhibit and loves spending her time exploring the new environment with Liya.

"She really enjoys diving and playing with toys in the pool which is great for Sea World guests who can get an up-close view through the underwater viewing area."

Mishka is a half-brother to Henry, the male cub born to Liya at the theme park in 2013.

Henry has since been relocated to a Canadian polar bear habitat with the long-term aim of becoming part of an international breeding group.


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Source: AAP


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