Inuka, first tropics-born polar bear, dies
SINGAPORE (AFP) — 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 particularly popular with visitors due to his playful antics in his enclosure.
In recent years, though, he had suffered age-related ailments, including arthritis, and an examination at the start of this month revealed his health was failing markedly.
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 anesthesia.
“Singaporeans have known Inuka from the time he was a cub, and have seen him growing up and aging,” Mohan Ponichamy, one of his keepers, said. “It has been a privilege and honor being his caregiver, but difficult as it may be, it would not have been fair to prolong his suffering.”
Inuka had been put on a “seniors program” at the zoo for the past five years to help elderly animals deal with the effects of aging. He had slowed down in recent months, and became less interested in his daily play sessions.
Zoo officials said a private memorial would be held today.
Inuka was born on Dec. 26, 1990. His father Nanook was caught in the wild in Canada while his mother, Sheeba, came from Cologne Zoo in Germany.
His death marks the end of an era for the zoo, which has said it will not keep any more polar bears.