Why I pity Britain's latest polar bear cub to be born in captivity | Patrick Barkham

Despite the efforts of the Highland Wildlife Park, the first British-born polar bear for 25 years will suffer from enclosure - and from the adoration of its human fansPicture the scene. Every weekday, between 9am and sunset or 7pm, whichever is the earlier, people stand in solid blocks. More often than not, they seem to be staring at nothing. Then somebody shouts, "She's getting up!" The throng presses forward. "And there's the baby!" Whereupon one hears that curious, thin shriek that also happens when the bride appears at a film star's wedding. Related: First polar bear cub born in the UK for 25 years at Scottish park Continue reading...