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'Adorable' wolverines born at zoo

Shannen Headley
BBC News, West Midlands
Dudley Zoo and Castle Two baby wolverines with light grey fur nestle against the belly of their larger, dark-furred mother, which has an arm around one of the infants. They lie against a wooden fence, and there is a log in the foregroundDudley Zoo and Castle
Mum Helga and kits have been seen out and about in their paddock

Two wolverines have been born at Dudley Zoo - a first for the venue.

The "adorable" kits - the first offspring of parents Helga and Floki - arrived on 20 February, with mum since spotted carrying her infants outside in their paddock.

Although not currently an endangered species, the number of wolverines found in the wild is declining.

Helga, six, and Floki, three, have been paired up under a European breeding programme designed to aid the species' survival.

Sam Grove, the zoo's carnivore section leader, said the kits appeared to be thriving.

"Helga is being a fantastic first-time mum. Over the last few days, she has seemed keen to move them and it was wonderful to see her appear outside in their paddock to show them both off... with dad observing from afar.

"It is very exciting news for us and incredible news for the species."

Dudley Zoo and Castle Two baby wolverines hugging in a wooden denDudley Zoo and Castle
The kits are the first wolverines to be born at Dudley Zoo

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