Advertisement

Winner The Polar Bear Dies In Heat Wave

Winner The Polar Bear Dies In Heat Wave

The last remaining polar bear at Buenos Aires zoo has died in a heat wave.

Zoo officials say 'Winner' became nervous and irritated amid the scorching heat and the noise from fireworks during Christmas Eve celebrations.

This affected his ability to control his body temperature and he apparently died of hyperthermia.

The zoo in the Argentine capital is widely visited and has traditionally showcased polar bears.

Officials say the animals used to live in a 2.5metre diameter pool but their cage was improved in 1993 when a 145,000-litre pool was built along with a site for birthing and three security rings.

The zoo said in a statement that the site had been visited by experts and met all international regulations to house polar bears.