Yahoo News Inuka the world’s ‘only tropical polar bear’ has died at Singapore Zoo
The only polar bear born in the tropics has died.
Inuka was put down at Singapore Zoo after suffering a series of age-related ailments.
The polar bear was born at the zoo and lived to the age of 27.
In a statement, Singapore Zoo said: “We have jointly made the difficult but necessary decision to not revive Inuka from anaesthesia on humane grounds.”
Inuka was suffering from arthritis, ear infections and dental issues, while his weakening limbs hampered his ability to walk.
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Inuka was born on December 26, 1990 and was Singapore Zoo’s fourth polar bear. He spent his time at the zoo in a climate-controlled enclosure.
But his presence at the zoo angered animal rights activists and conservationists who said polar bears should not be kept in tropical countries.
In 2006, Singapore Zoo said it would not bring in any more polar bears.
“As much as we would like to keep Inuka with us for as long as possible, our ultimate responsibility is his welfare,” Cheng Wen-haur, Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s deputy chief executive officer, told the BBC.
“Our decision to let Inuka go was made with the knowledge that his health issues have seriously impacted his welfare.
“Beyond the point where we can ensure a good quality of life for Inuka, the greater kindness would be to relieve him from prolonged suffering.”
