Sunday, April 29, 2018

Zoo workers, guests pay their last respects to Inuka

Source Website: http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/zoo-workers-guests-pay-their-last-respects-inuka
By Kimberley Chia, The New Paper, 27 April 2018 at 06:00 am


Our final goodbye to our beloved Polar Bear, Inuka (1990-2018)
PHOTO: Our final goodbye to our beloved Polar Bear, Inuka (1990-2018)
Inuka the Singaporean Polar Bear passed away peacefully on 25 April 2018.
The Singapore Zoo bade farewell to Inuka the polar bear on Wednesday morning (April 25), following a decision to put him down humanely. It will be lovingly remembered for being the first polar bear to be born in the tropics.
Picture posted by Wildlife Reserves Singapore on Facebook
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-ZkRz13T2qnPoEf2cay4GzX5XlXM2LMWWKVdevEyCCtudt_P_b2FEjDqEsIGd_0Z0KsFezkMppQFB1O3EEBZKQmS8tyB-AKt56og4346hJc_GNGel83rsmzjN5Ek5wDBk-BxM7Kecv4/s1600/31317812_10155269441717051_309219735298375680_n.jpg
https://scontent-sit4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31317812_10155269441717051_309219735298375680_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=a4d7a2da56b383e7996144b6ec008080&oe=5B57F1B6
https://www.facebook.com/wrs.sg/photos/pb.174575967050.-2207520000.1524979307./10155269441712051/?type=3&theater


Of all the many animals that Mr Mohan Ponichamy has cared for, Inuka was by far the most famous and loved by Singaporeans, said the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) deputy head keeper.

"For the first time... We didn't walk into the den this morning to see a cheery Inuka greeting us. The space was empty," he said.

He was speaking at a private tribute ceremony for Inuka yesterday at the Singapore Zoo, where more than 400 zoo workers and guests paid their last respects to the first and only polar bear born in Singapore.
More than 400 zoo workers and guests at a private tribute ceremony for Inuka yesterday at the Singapore Zoo.
PHOTO: More than 400 zoo workers and guests at a private tribute ceremony for Inuka yesterday at the Singapore Zoo. Audience members donning blue or white - a nod to the symbolic colours ofInuka and its enclosure
PHOTO: An emotional farewell.
TNP PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID
Picture posted by Kimberley Chia, The New Paper on 27 April 2018 at 06:00 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0fY7Vi4MOLc-enKIVxGIXJFBWE9OJj9gf5AKxH2X2lgaaOuGjPh9jdHgXoH2Q13V8Y3gAh3oVkfVrSdUB3bzz1DccK8L0sqG9MgujdivPlJmTUJCFYN62aHnjg7TBYy1v3ZeEk9ECpM/s1600/NP_20180427_KCTRIBUTE27DTB4_3942634.jpg
http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl680/public/articles/2018/04/27/NP_20180427_KCTRIBUTE27DTB4_3942634.jpg?itok=zopv6jwz
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/zoo-workers-guests-pay-their-last-respects-inuka


The Frozen Tundra at the zoo was packed with guests, many donning blue or white - a nod to the symbolic colours of Inuka and its enclosure.

Commemorative light blue ribbons were also passed around and worn by staff and guests, after a box of the ribbons was left at Inuka's enclosure by an anonymous visitor yesterday morning.

Inuka, 27, born here in 1990, was the first polar bear to be born in the tropics.
Will be lovingly remembered for being the first polar bear to be born in the tropics.
PHOTO: Will be lovingly remembered for being the first polar bear to be born in the tropics.
"The Singapore Zoo bade farewell to Inuka the polar bear on Wednesday morning (April 25), following a decision to put him down humanely,"
Inuka passed away peacefully on Apr 25, 2018.
Father: Nanook (Deceased, 29 Dec 1995)
Mother: Sheba (Deceased, 15 Nov 2012)
Posted by SPH online obituary
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvzd_SwcWgjY630FsaBHpOrcPlZP9f3ZEm2r1JgCRcMlCQgyRBJAYn8bUF0JEYVqPn8rd1z2qXLeaw0NrprdQmGmQJPdH-hAXsWoaqg9fjDLt84SpRbLnDV8Ct7lStdssIirb1VlwPog/s1600/7deeaeb0ebb5391dedde8cb093a3442d.jpg
https://albumizr.com/ia/7deeaeb0ebb5391dedde8cb093a3442d.jpg
https://obits.sg/detail/inuka-the-singaporean-polar-bear/81


Image caption: Baby Inuka and his mother Sheba in happier, healthier times
PHOTO: Image caption: Baby Inuka and his mother Sheba in happier, healthier times
Conservationists and animal rights activists have campaigned against the presence of polar bears in Singapore since their introduction to the national zoo in 1978.
Following animal welfare discussions, the zoo announced in 2006 that it would not bring in any more polar bears after Inuka.

His name means Silent Stalker in the Inuit language
The fussy eater enjoyed salmon the most
Keepers said he loved taking dips in his private pool and enjoyed "hydro massages under his waterfall"
A "cheeky and inquisitive soul", he was known to invent his own games and would even hide his toothbrush from his care team - https://www.sammyboy.com/threads/r-i-p-inuka.253383/
Image copyright: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Picture posted in Asiaone, by The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Wildlife Reserves Singapore's Facebook page on Thursday, 12 April 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBWWTwKr09ROfB2RijkKjO1ajb3s8HsUrhee3AvuLmkrbtdsZ7jCo5Hp2KuSBd2O6n2VxmnjgG05JW9lM79IRb-KVYhmuq8jZLWqg7j9EF3vLkO00BEAKb4atqrv2hNY3Nuj4ZFQpkz8/s1600/inuka_2_wrs.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/moments/Apr2018/inuka_2_wrs.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/multimedia/gallery/singapore-zoos-ageing-polar-bear-inuka-may-be-put-down


It was put down humanely on Wednesday after a medical check that day showed little improvement in his failing health.

Inuka, which would have been well into its 70s in human years, had been suffering from age-related ailments such as arthritis, dental issues and occasional ear infections for the past five years.

HUMANE
In a speech, Mr Mike Barclay, group chief executive of Mandai Park Holdings, thanked Inuka's dedicated keepers for their care of the bear.

"Inuka's end came in the most humane way possible, with his keepers, both past and present, in attendance," he said.
Singapore has released pictures showing the last moments of polar bear Inuka before he passed away.
PHOTO: Singapore has released pictures showing the last moments of polar bear Inuka before he passed away. Vets and carers surrounded the bear and comforted him before he was put down to end his suffering from a rapid decline in health
Mr Mike Barclay, group chief executive of Mandai Park Holdings, thanked Inuka's dedicated keepers for their care of the bear. "Inuka's end came in the most humane way possible, with his keepers, both past and present, in attendance," he said.
Picture posted by tun_dr_m, Alfrescian
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo3D-rc_9wavjHc_Jx_BpldqFnj8VZJpXYXzi_ckvcSIGqPX6AG2KCOZnzZ2vSATg1NrExw5ljvvCV5OiDdujLMdrs-xJv4GLA7kkzVazcLjSPZhtIY_FQna70yujg8_yuNbBaQngoxU/s1600/Bi6e-fztkpin3413736.jpg
http://n.sinaimg.cn/public_column/1_img/upload/34fa2aa3/106/w1024h682/20180426/Bi6e-fztkpin3413736.jpg
https://www.sammyboy.com/threads/r-i-p-inuka.253383/


The ceremony began with Inuka's keepers going forward to put up pictures of the polar bear over the years to mark milestones such as birthdays.

White roses were placed in front of each framed photograph by representatives from WRS and Singapore Press Holdings Foundation, which has supported Inuka since its birth, as well as Inuka's care team.

Finally, a minute of applause was held as a tribute to the bear.
Inuka was put down humanely on Wednesday after a medical check that day showed little improvement in his failing health.
PHOTO: Inuka was put down humanely on Wednesday after a medical check that day showed little improvement in his failing health. A staff member says her goodbyes with a hand placed tenderly over the animal's giant paw.
Inuka had reached the grand old age of 27 but a recent examination had revealed  his health was failing markedly.
Picture posted by tun_dr_m, Alfrescian
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdtKCkhXvwec71-CeiqFSn3FMgf_u4uKsBmOFE8NRGQ3h3gAxD0cPikC4V1GBuAxqyPJ2o9d9JDo1q_jxh7LI6RLQTl9Ug3dx5bUaxydxKKXZ_0D_PKRhNfV9Djlhj2K_19hRpia_Z5M/s1600/8DvM-fztkpin3413803.jpg
http://n.sinaimg.cn/public_column/1_img/upload/34fa2aa3/108/w1024h684/20180426/8DvM-fztkpin3413803.jpg
https://www.sammyboy.com/threads/r-i-p-inuka.253383/


The zoo has also set up a memorial wall at the Frozen Tundra, where members of the public can pen tributes and bid farewell to Inuka. The memorial will be up till May 5.

In his tribute, Mr Ponichamy spoke of how fun-loving and "kaypoh" (nosy) Inuka was, much like Singaporeans.

"I don't see a polar bear," he said. "I see a Singaporean."
For the first time... We didn't walk into the den this morning to see a cheery Inuka greeting us. The space was empty
PHOTO: "For the first time... We didn't walk into the den this morning to see a cheery Inuka greeting us. The space was empty," Mr Mohan Ponichamy said. Mr Mohan Ponichamy is the Wildlife Reserves Singapore deputy head keeper.
Picture posted in Asiaone, by The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Wildlife Reserves Singapore's Facebook page on Thursday, 12 April 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKmv1r8sXs0Wz1KRzjckICEqFvKS8F8EuC8l3VYEwDuUVMHght2SCGgbMVHE_QIimFC3_s2MyNzTGpfnDDvKnbVkOgYCyhmhWCFS8iWkE_ncmyv_gDZttAsLeWuOa_KckeviMFpTNBFI/s1600/inuka_1.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/moments/Apr2018/inuka_1.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/multimedia/gallery/singapore-zoos-ageing-polar-bear-inuka-may-be-put-down


Farewell, Inuka
PHOTO: Farewell, Inuka: Zoo staff surround polar bear to comfort him during his last moments as the animal passes away in Singapore
Inuka, 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 weakened limbs had trouble supporting his body and he developed cuts on his paws and a wound on his abdomen
Picture posted by Julian Robinson for MailOnline and Afp on 25 April 2018 at 06:08 BST
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIMliBpogNaZ4viVd___J4IyN3oVFyS9gU1E82jgST-VvY9IHA1dPRZkEEhoyqE7dPAfd4p5mi01w1huOnn9Z_3GdDqFIj3M01uk5sFOncTGtkadz0-IZEaCjN8gx929z9nZs-6UoZPw/s1600/2691428-5654447-More_active_days_His_playful_antics_in_his_pool_enclosure_have_g-a-7_1524640660595.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/1/2018/04/25/08/2691428-5654447-More_active_days_His_playful_antics_in_his_pool_enclosure_have_g-a-7_1524640660595.jpg
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5654447/Inuka-polar-bear-born-tropics-down.html


The bear's activity levels have fallen over the past three months and he now prefers resting over interacting with his keepers, a statement said.
PHOTO: The bear's activity levels have fallen over the past three months and he now prefers resting over interacting with his keepers, a statement said.
Picture posted in Asiaone, by The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Wildlife Reserves Singapore's Facebook page on Thursday, 12 April 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cPUhrnQ9RGe5LjmJl-tkLadZHmhVhY9b6R94zFdHyoguX0rXHsoagV3L7M-4h5khJJ9OjsIX2mXuXC_hqCllFkjsbfx1LEFV4hVKD9F-0bLemE03A8UJUJ3lpKxg3VdBkjWSuOsqhXw/s1600/inuka_2.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/moments/Apr2018/inuka_2.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/multimedia/gallery/singapore-zoos-ageing-polar-bear-inuka-may-be-put-down


Heartfelt sadness in tender embrace
PHOTO: The private tribute ceremony for Inuka, the first and only polar bear to be born in Singapore, was held on Thursday morning (April 26) at the Frozen Tundra in the Singapore Zoo, where more than 400 zoo staff and guests paid their last respects.
Picture posted in Asiaone, by The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Wildlife Reserves Singapore's Facebook page on Thursday, 12 April 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAIShm0pXQRO6CYigJyrXOU0BK8JqT5g9oC9nMP5BhjR7QffNXBXUJaQEYhbR5-0_tUYn_QdI4S7igCEq0tYyfs7MccZ9CM9-4CL1Lv9U-PpsOvSEuKbp9sFL3v1YHW4fI6SgNGBlNCw/s1600/inukaprivatefarewell_3_st.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/moments/Apr2018/inukaprivatefarewell_3_st.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/multimedia/gallery/singapore-zoos-ageing-polar-bear-inuka-may-be-put-down


The zoo vets and his care team agreed to not revive him from anesthesia on humane and welfare grounds following a second health examination on Wednesday (April 25).

PHOTO: The zoo vets and his care team agreed to not revive him from anesthesia on humane and welfare grounds following a second health examination on Wednesday (April 25).
Picture posted in Asiaone, by The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Wildlife Reserves Singapore's Facebook page on Thursday, 12 April 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepTjxKz-CuA9YrgG38uo1kbD3-4qFDTsC-gbNEfMs1npsZXrdl7PAFZjharlFKuIwgElOt0v5pKLRrZhUaPPWDutvqPjeFE7VCnLPqfgLmn6-hQt0qNuTljdAe1Xse7sTcyDQDnkygxQ/s1600/inuka_7_wrs.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/moments/Apr2018/inuka_7_wrs.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/multimedia/gallery/singapore-zoos-ageing-polar-bear-inuka-may-be-put-down


Inkua as a cub.
PHOTO: The zoo has also set up a memorial wall at the Frozen Tundra, where members of the public can pen tributes and bid farewell to Inuka. The memorial will be up till 05 May 2018.
Picture posted in Asiaone, by The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Wildlife Reserves Singapore's Facebook page on Thursday, 12 April 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdz5tz1_BDU-tuOH2LmZpxpI_sMrmoblrMt_XseGCyO40oFWOwEKSJ9zFDik-TUdj8_ZqlEERudfvwSCn8YDgZO3gpwwSJdvmBrojsypuYdd7mC_FEbKPyer2H6uqm7wo7lLFpjkF9gBQ/s1600/inuka_6_wrs.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/moments/Apr2018/inuka_6_wrs.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/multimedia/gallery/singapore-zoos-ageing-polar-bear-inuka-may-be-put-down


Farewell, Inuka.
PHOTO: In his tribute, Mr Ponichamy spoke of how fun-loving and "kaypoh" (nosy) Inuka was, much like Singaporeans.
Picture posted by Pic4key
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggX7bD_78vaZJ3Udmipfhd5WrekVYHVXVODKrywbCqiS9xNohHQkzeUcYxtpsx-IzliZZSEmwDblBNix1cqtHbqaOfsEP2FVPjO81lokA7pqhJOtG3kvQHlPBQUKMPYVGHbVjtGJH-OPA/s1600/341422.jpg
https://images5.alphacoders.com/341/341422.jpg
http://machicon-akihabara.info/2017aimage-angry-polar-bear-attacks-woman-in-water.awp

By Kimberley Chia, The New Paper, 27 April 2018 at 06:00 am
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Reference
[1]  Kimberley Chia, The New Paper, Zoo workers, guests pay their last respects to Inuka, posted on 27 April 2018 at 06:00 am, http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/zoo-workers-guests-pay-their-last-respects-inuka

[2] Asiaone, The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Wildlife Reserves Singapore's Facebook page, Singapore Zoo staff pay tribute to polar bear Inuka, posted on Thursday, 25 April 2018, http://www.asiaone.com/multimedia/gallery/singapore-zoos-ageing-polar-bear-inuka-may-be-put-down

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