- Inuka is the only polar bear to be born in the tropics and a legendary resident of Wildlife Reserves Singapore
- The 27-year-old creature has been battling arthritis for many years, as well as dental issues and ear infections
- And now the beloved bear may be put down on Wednesday as his health is worsening
He is the only polar bear to be born in the tropics and a legendary resident of Singapore.
But the days of beloved Inuka could be numbered as his health has started to deteriorate.
The elderly bear – well into his 70s in human years – could be put down on Wednesday if a second medical check up confirms he is suffering.
Inuka the polar bear, whose health has been declining in recent months, is pictured today at Singapore Zoo. He is the only polar bear to have been born in the tropics
The elderly bear – well into his 70s in human years – could be put down on Wednesday if a second medical check up confirms he is suffering
Cards written by well-wishes have been stuck on the viewing glass as Inuka the polar bear lies down in its enclosure
Inuka was born at Wildlife Reserves Singapore to much fanfare after his parents Nanook and Sheba were brought to the country in 1978.
The zoo describes him as their ‘most prominent senior resident’.
At 27, he has already lived two years longer than the average polar bear in captivity and far longer than those in the wild, which typically live between 15 and 18 years.
His playful antics in his pool enclosure have gained him notoriety among visitors and his birthday celebration every year is an eagerly anticipated event.
Last year he celebrated with a special jelly and salmon cake.
But he has been receiving treatment for arthritis for some time as well as suffering from dental issues and occasional ear infections.
His health was found to be deteriorating after an annual medical exam on April 3.
For the past three months he has been on a cocktail of painkillers and preferred to rest rather than play with his keepers.
He cut back on swimming, walks stiffly and become less interested in sessions frolicking with traffic cones, balls and ice blocks embedded with his favourite food.
Senior veterinarian Abraham Mathew told The Straits Times: ‘If we feel like he is improving and can do better with medication, we will reverse the anaesthesia.
Inuka has cut back on swimming, walks stiffly and become less interested in sessions frolicking with traffic cones, balls and ice blocks embedded with his favourite food
For the past three months he has been on a cocktail of painkillers and preferred to rest rather than play with his keepers
More active days: His playful antics in his pool enclosure have gained him notoriety among visitors
‘But if we feel that his welfare is compromised and his condition is going to continue deteriorating, then we will have to let him go peacefully.’
The zoo said on April 20 that their animal welfare team, along with veterinarians and zoologists, will evaluate if Inuka’s treatment can be modified to save him.
His daily care regime has been ramped up ahead of his second medical exam on Wednesday.
Wildlife Reserves Singapore wrote on Facebook earlier this month: ‘Our beloved senior polar bear, Inuka, underwent a recent health check and results show that his health has declined.
‘His carers are closely monitoring his movements and administering intensive treatment.
‘While daily interaction sessions have been suspended, fans can still visit Inuka at Frozen Tundra.
‘Share some well wishes below to show our favourite bear and his carers some support!’
He was born at Wildlife Reserves Singapore to much fanfare after his parents Nanook and Sheba were brought to the country in 1978
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