Ailing Inuka put down

AT 27, Inuka, Singapore's last polar bear, had exceeded the average life expectancy of polar bears, which typically live 15 to 18 years in the wild and 25 years under human care.

But he was in failing health. In human terms, he would have been over 70 years old. He had been suffering age-related ailments such as arthritis, dental issues and occasional ear infections for the past five years. A medical examination on April 3 had revealed a significant decline in his health.

His weakening limbs could not support his more than 500 kg weight, leading to him dragging his feet. This had caused ulcerations on his pads that led to deeper infection between his toes.

He also had a wound on his lower abdomen, likely caused by urine-burns from incontinence and recurring urinary tract infections.

The Singapore Zoo said that he was put down after a medical examination yesterday morning showed that the open wounds on his paws and abdomen had not significantly improved despite additional treatment over the last three weeks.

These wounds would have caused pain and discomfort to Inuka, and would only be aggravated as his arthritis worsened.

Cheng Wen-Haur, deputy chief executive officer and chief life sciences officer of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which runs the Singapore Zoo, said: "Our decision to let Inuka go was made with the knowledge that his health issues have seriously impacted his welfare.

"As much as we would like to keep Inuka with us for as long as possible, our ultimate responsibility is his welfare."

Mohan Ponichamy, deputy head keeper at the Singapore Zoo, said: "It has been a privilege and honour being his caregiver. But, difficult as it may be, it would not have been fair to prolong his suffering."

His name means "Silent Stalker" in Inuit, a name chosen from over 10,000 entries during a nationwide naming contest. He was the only polar bear to have been born in the tropics and was nicknamed the "sunbear" for his love of basking in the sun.

Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) has supported Inuka since his birth. SPH Foundation, the charity arm of SPH, took over the adoption of the bear from 2007.

Said Lee Boon Yang, chairman of SPH Foundation: "Over the years, he has brought so much joy to many, and we now share everyone's sorrow over his passing.

"We believe that WRS' decision to let him go is in his best interest, and would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Singapore Zoo for taking good care of him all these years," he added.