ABOUT INUKA
The first polar bear to be born in the tropics
Almost 16 years ago, on Boxing Day, 26 December 1990, Singapore Zoo
received a perfect Christmas gift in the form of a polar bear, the
first to be born in the tropics. He was named Inukawhich means
silent stalker in the Eskimo language.
Proud parents Nanook and Sheba had originally arrived in Singapore
Zoo in 1978. During the time of construction of the polar bear
exhibit, the Zoo team worked with several animal specialists to
create an environment that would be suitable. In zoological
science, a good sign of animal comfort is when the animal gives
birth and rears offspring. The birth of Inuka in 1990 is testament
to the animals comfort.
Over the last few years, Singapore Zoo has made tremendous
upgrades. The den for the polar bears is air-conditioned 24 hours a
day and open at all times, allowing the bears to have full access
at anytime. This is to ensure that their resting place is
comfortable enough to relax, sleep and spend time in private. The
Zoo also installed misting cooling fans and provided shade over two
thirds of the exhibit to enhance the animals wellbeing.
Apart from the changes to the exhibit, the two polar bears are also
given varied enrichment in the form of toys, ice blocks with
embedded food items, among others. These provide the bears with
greater opportunities to express different behaviours and keeps
them mentally as well as physically occupied.
Inuka
But Inuka is going to leave Singapore after the 16th birthday on
Boxing Day (26 December). This is inline with Singapore Zoo's plan
to transform into a rainforest zoo, arctic animals like polar bears
will have to be relocated.
