A polar bear at the Ouwehands Dierenpark zoo in Rhenen has given birth to triplets –   a very rare event in captivity –  the zoo authorities said on Tuesday.

The three cubs were born on Saturday to polar bear Freedom and all appear to be in good health, the zoo said. The father of the triplets, known as Victor, is currently at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in England. He is considered an important part of the European captive breeding programme and has already produced 16 offspring.

The new family can be followed by webcam and it will be spring before the baby bears and their mother go outside, the zoo said.