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 animalsÂ’ 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 animalsÂ’ 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.
