Singapore - People Mourn Death of Inuka, First Polar Bear Born in the Tropics

Singapore just said goodbye to its 27-year-old polar bear as it was put down earlier on “humane grounds” at Singapore Zoo due to its fast deteriorating health.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Inuka died surrounded by his keepers: Singapore Zoo releases photos of polar bear&#39;s last moments <a href="https://t.co/ji1hQ6MCja">https://t.co/ji1hQ6MCja</a> <a href="https://t.co/CrQDE0Di46">pic.twitter.com/CrQDE0Di46</a></p>&mdash; The Straits Times (@STcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/STcom/status/989083497557057536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Named Inuka, the male polar bear was the first to be born in the tropics. All of Inuka’s past and present caregivers were at the animal’s side to bid him goodbye as he received the final injection that would put him to sleep forever. The procedure was administered by the zoo’s assistant director of veterinary services, Dr. Abraham Matthew.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DabBzfMDhE8" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Inuka has been suffering from age-related ailments the past 5 years including arthritis, dental issues, and occasional ear infections. A health check-up on April 3 revealed that his fragile health was deteriorating even further.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;Our decision to let Inuka go was made with the knowledge that his health issues have seriously impacted his welfare&quot;: Deputy CEO of WRS <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPInuka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPInuka</a> <a href="https://t.co/QTaisyVcAD">https://t.co/QTaisyVcAD</a> <a href="https://t.co/RVsH5QcC88">pic.twitter.com/RVsH5QcC88</a></p>&mdash; Channel NewsAsia (@ChannelNewsAsia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChannelNewsAsia/status/988991468411895814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The bear’s weight before he was put down could no longer support his weight. As such, Inuka had to drag his feet but it led to ulcers on his paw pads and a deep infection between his toes.

A wound on Inuka’s lower abdomen was also discovered, and such could have been caused by urinary incontinence and recurring urinary tract infections.

Inuka is a well-loved figure in Singapore, having been born and lived for the past 27 years in the island-state, one of the wealthiest nations in Asia.

Dr. Cheng Wen-Haur, the chief life sciences officer and deputy CEO of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said in a tribute to Inuka said that a whole generation of Singaporeans has grown up with the popular bear. He added: “It is a very sad moment for us but I think we have done the right thing by him and he is no longer suffering.”

The normal lifespan of a wild male polar bear is pegged at 15 to 18 years old so Inuka has definitely lived a long life and even outlived the said common lifespan of polar bears.

An autopsy will still be performed on the body of Inuka to fully understand his condition prior to his death. His body parts will be likely preserved for educational purposes.

A private memorial for Inuka is set on Thursday.

Singaporeans also took to social media to give their tributes to Inuka, with many using the hashtag #RIPInuka.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This was Inuka on Monday - it was the last time he was seen by the public. He was swimming around, eating treats and basking in his ice cave. Rest In Peace, dear Inuka <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPInuka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPInuka</a> <a href="https://t.co/pGqEIJZMze">pic.twitter.com/pGqEIJZMze</a></p>&mdash; gaya chandramohan (@gayaCNA) <a href="https://twitter.com/gayaCNA/status/988991509864169472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Teeny tiny Inuka back in the day (📷: <a href="https://twitter.com/tweetWRS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tweetWRS</a>) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPInuka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPInuka</a> <a href="https://t.co/YRZrhcLg0w">pic.twitter.com/YRZrhcLg0w</a></p>&mdash; gaya chandramohan (@gayaCNA) <a href="https://twitter.com/gayaCNA/status/988993780140261377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Can&#39;t imagine how the keepers who took care of inuka will be feeling right now.</p>&mdash; 𝑅𝒽𝒶𝑒𝑔𝒶𝓇 (@Souljakid94) <a href="https://twitter.com/Souljakid94/status/989054004427677696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I&#39;m honestly touched by the outpouring of love for Inuka from so many Singaporeans, and the number of comments urging sg zoo not to bring in anymore polar bears WHILE acknowledging the efforts of our keepers in giving Inuka the best care they possibly could.</p>&mdash; 🦄 Phoebe 🏳️‍🌈 (@phoenicornix) <a href="https://twitter.com/phoenicornix/status/989006403703455749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/inuka-polar-bear-singapore-zoo-last-farewell-10175422