Aug 17, 2007, 12:50 GMT
Prince Albert of Monaco has been presented with two baby seals by a Russian governor.
Albert was presented with the Siberian freshwater seals by Irkutsk regional governor Alexander Tishanin during a trip to Siberia.
The nerpa seal pups, which are unique to Lake Baikal, will now have a new home in Monaco's Oceanographic Museum.
Albert, 49, promised he would "take great care of the two pups".
He can expect the silver-grey mammals to grow up to 1.3 metres long, reach a weight of around 100kg, and live as long as 50 years.
They also boast extremely sharp claws for grappling with the ice that covers the lake in the long Siberian winter.
There are estimated to be more than 60,000 nerpa seals in Lake Baikal, the world's largest freshwater lake.
However, their existence is being threatened by hunters and poachers who profit from their pelts.
During his tour of Russia, the prince has also spent time relaxing and enjoying outdoor pursuits such as fishing and rafting with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
(C) BANG Media International
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sbrassAug 17th, 2007 - 15:09:31
Better do a paternity test - he may be the father...
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