Express & Star

Zoo in Singapore puts down first polar bear born in the tropics

The death of Inuka at the age of 27 is likely to be the end of an era for the attraction which says it will no longer house the species.

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Inuka, the first polar bear born in the tropics eats his birthday cake in 2013 (Wong Maye-E/AP)

Inuka, the world’s first polar bear born in the tropics, has been put to sleep by Singapore Zoo, officials said.

The 27-year-old bear suffered from age-related ailments including arthritis, and its limbs became too weak to support its over 500kg (1,100lb) frame.

A team of veterinarians and keepers decided not to revive the bear after it was anaesthetised for a thorough health check.

“Looking at all the symptoms it is quite clear that from … Inuka’s point of view, he would have been suffering quite a fair bit of discomfort and pain,” said Cheng Wen-Haur, deputy chief executive of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which runs most of the country’s zoos.

“So we made the only right call that we can make under the situation,” he added.

Singapore Polar Bear
Inuka the polar bear, then aged 18, is seen feeding in his enclosure in 2008 (Wong Maye-e/AP)

Inuka was born in December 1990.

In recent months, his health had been on a steady decline.

Last week, the zoo said Inuka might be put to sleep if a medical examination showed he was suffering.

Visitors flocked to the zoo to catch a final glimpse of the bear.

Some left cards and messages wishing for a speedy recovery.

Inuka was Singapore’s only remaining polar bear and is likely to be its last.

The zoo has said it will not keep any more polar bears.

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