End of polar bear era for Singapore Zoo as it mourns Inuka, the first to be born in the tropics

He grew up in the public eye, but in recent years the animal suffered multiple age-related ailments and had to be put down

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Inuka, the first polar bear to be born in the tropics, was put down on Wednesday after having multiple age-related ailments. Photo: Reuters

Published: 1:30pm, 25 Apr 2018Updated: 9:32pm, 25 Apr 2018

Inuka, the first polar bear born in the tropics, was put down on Wednesday 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.

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

Born at the zoo, Inuka was particularly popular with visitors due to his playful antics in his enclosure.

But in recent years the animal 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.

Inuka’s death marks the end of an era for Singapore Zoo, which has said it will not keep any more polar bears in its collection. Photo: Reuters

Inuka had reached the grand old age of 27 – into his 70s in human years. Photo: AFP

End of polar bear era for Singapore Zoo as it mourns Inuka, the first to be born in the tropics

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}He grew up in the public eye, but in recent years the animal suffered multiple age-related ailments and had to be put down

He grew up in the public eye, but in recent years the animal suffered multiple age-related ailments and had to be put down