After months of preparation, the Maryland Zoo suffered a loss this weekend with a stillborn polar bear cub born to its mother, Alaska.

Polar bears have a 50 percent mortality rate within the first year for their firstborns.

“Some populations of polar bears in the wild show an even greater mortality rate than 50 percent,” said Rebecca Gullot, the zoo’s mammal collection and conservation manager.

“The only way you can tell [that a polar bear is pregnant] is when you see a cub,” said Baltimore zoo official Lainie Contreras.

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During her pregnancy, Alaska was secluded in her own den, where she ate regularly and rested, Gullot said.

A couple of weeks ago, Alaska began constructing a soft bed of straw for her and her cub, according to zoo staff.

Alaska’s stillborn is believed to be her first, according to zoo officials.

Zookeepers said Alaska is in good health and is beginning to be a little more active.

Within the next couple of months, Alaska will be reunited with male polar bear Magnet, and zookeepers expect them to breed again.

mmccarron@baltimoreexaminer.com