Inuka put down at 27

SINGAPORE: Inuka, the first polar bear born in the tropics, was put down yesterday after a rapid decline in health, with Singapore Zoo mourning the loss of one of its best-loved animals.

The bear, whose name means “Silent Stalker” in Inuit, had reached the grand old age of 27 — into his 70s in human years, and two years older than the average lifespan of the creatures in captivity.

Born at the zoo, Inuka was popular with visitors due to his playful antics in his enclosure. But, in recent years, the animal had suffered age-related ailments and an examination earlier this month revealed his health was failing.

His weakened limbs had trouble supporting his body and he developed cuts on his paws and a wound on his abdomen.

After a final check-up, vets found that Inuka’s health had not improved despite intensive treatment and decided not to revive him from anaesthesia.

“Singaporeans have known Inuka from the time he was a cub, and have seen him growing up and ageing,” said Mohan Ponichamy, one of his keepers.

“Difficult as it may be, it would not have been fair to prolong his suffering.”

Inuka was born on December 26, 1990. His father Nanook was caught in the wild and came from Canada and his mother, Sheeba, came from a German zoo.

His death marks the end of an era for the zoo, which said it would not keep any more polar bears in its collection.