Inuka's Last Days: Behind The Scenes With Singapore's Last Polar Bear | Talking Point | CNA Insider

During the final days of Inuka, the world's only polar bear born in the tropics, the programme Talking Point got exclusive access behind the scenes at the Singapore Zoo - and found out how those who loved him 'like a son' came to terms with a heart-wrenching decision.
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[@nocchu5035]

To the people saying Inuka should’ve been in the wild, yes he should’ve been - but he wasn’t, he was born in Singapore . He would’ve had a much better life if he lived in the wild? He would’ve had a much longer life in the wild? Global warming has started to destroy the Polar Bears habitats, and slowly but surely the species is dying out. If Inuka lived in the wild, he would’ve had a much more difficult, shorter life. Yes most zoos exploit animals for money, but you can tell that they tried to give Inuka the best life as possible. They sincerely loved him. He was born in the tropics, if he was suddenly chucked him out into his “natural habitat,” he would have most probably died quickly. As someone who is normally against zoos, I believe that the zoo did what was best for him here. Stop acting like immature children, and just think of Inuka as a loved polar bear who passed away. It’s not that difficult.

[@kwangjet]

Why does people still dislike this

[@youraverageperson9652]

Yeah true, I feel like since these bears are dropping in numbers slowly but surely from global warming, giving them the best life was the only way and when they were babies, they just look so cute! I hope that these polar bears don’t go extinct in the near future, we need to stop global warming to prevent anything else happening

[@jugemujugemugokonosurikire4735]

Yes I agree! Inuka lived FAR LONGER than his life expectancy

[@Anonymous-zb8lv]

While I don't want to debate on your points, the recent actions of Singapore zoo is disappointing. They have decided to make a calendar or something with inuka as the theme. It is exploiting his death. Now I am suspicious of why the management make the euthanization choice. Did they plan to sell these merchandise after Inuks died? Was making money a part of their choice? If yes, then that's exploitating his death

[@bestduckyrblx2944]

@@Anonymous-zb8lv What if they just want to pay tribute to such iconic animal? Ever thought of that?

[@RonaldDas42]

I still remember the story told by one of inuka caretakers during a show in SGZoo, how inuka changed his life. He was a kid when he first saw him, he was standing near the glass, when everyone around him became silent , he looked back and saw inuka right behind him, the only thing between them was the glass, inuka started into his eyes, the boy placed his hand on the glass and so did inuka. It was a life changing experience for him.

[@faitherpietem3643]

4:36

[@putrilarasati7670]

I also still remember this story when I visited the place!!

[@joseffmumbing5027]

AQUAMAN??

[@dharshkwon]

same thing happened to me when i was a kid too... i put my face up against the glass of the polar bear enclosure and one of the polar bears , judging by the size it was, it was most probably inuka, swam up to me and we met nose-to-nose... only thing btwn us was the the glass.. it was just the most magical thing.. i ended up working at the Zoo as well.. i was there when Inuka's enclosure was opened.. i remember going to see him everyday after work..

[@isienna]

4:36?

[@lovelleliam4635]

I cried over Inuka’s as much as I did over any loved ones passing...

[@KP-ce6fx]

Same... I actually cried more...

[@sliimeymochi9901]

Rosq Chan same

[@andrewsin9270]

Rosq Chan i kept thinking about him too I’m a guy but i kept crying too

[@lovelleliam4635]

Yeah. I literally grew up together with Inuka... it’s just so sad.

[@baofeilong]

Same i also cried

[@pastelcrazes882]

When the guy said the bear was like a child to him :(

[@hyunjininthebuilding]

I was watching inuka channel news Asia yesterday and I literally cried do much that my eyes turned red and my mom came to comfort me and she too started tearing. Inuka is one of my most favorite animal is the Singapore zoo and now that he is gone, I don't know what to say. But I know he is in a better place. I always wanted to be a zoo keeper because I love animals. But I think I can't anymore because if an animal die, I will have like depression. I remember last year, my family started keeping fishes and when some fishes died at the first part, I would cry

[@michaelling6352]

I open a champagne that u have finally been release from her captivity u guys who gave excuse that zoo is for educational purpose in this tech age pls dun give such BS excuse in the future coz a unselfish human being will cry when see inuka and others wild life being captive in the enclosure and any normal human will celebrate the death of a captive animal

[@hyunjininthebuilding]

Moonie_Worthy Yes. I'm a fan of bts

[@JL-bx2uf]

Animals shouldn’t be in a zoo. They are not made for our entertainment. If you really love animals, think about it.

[@robinchiam1349]

Wow I like your love towards animals and we know that Inuka is in a better place right now...

[@Toomuchbullshitt]

If I was an animal I would be sad to live my whole entire life in one place, with lots of noises, where the temperatures are not preferable to live and some kids throw food and rocks at me. Zoos are animal prisons. Believe me.

[@billythekid3694]

I saw him in real life before. The people tried to throw meat into the water to try to make him swim through the hoops. He just laid there. He was very tired. RIP Inuka😢🥺

[@emmgamez7535]

Sorry for Inuka's lost... I went during your birthday with my family to wish you a happy birthday,when I was P3 I went to Singapore Zoo to have a look at you I still remember you were so lively and you were swimming so happily. My favorite memory was when you waved at me. Hope you are living in a better condition now my lovely Inuka and I know that you will not forget us easily...We will always love you our dearest Inuka. Rest In Peace (RIP) Inuka...:") 我会永远爱你的，我们亲爱的 Inuka...😩😩😩❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Thank you for giving us love...谢谢你给我们带来的爱❤️。

[@darkrogue161]

I remember watching Inuka and Sheba in the Singapore zoo in 2008. Sheba was very naughty and would swim around the pool and show off her swimming skills. I was so amazed to see polar bears in such a different setting. I am feeling so bad that Inuka is no more. Even though I only saw these polar bears for a few minutes, I have so many memories attached to them even after all these years. Rest In Peace Inuka.

[@陈海彬-v3y]

Inuka and Harambe will be the bestest friends up there.

[@londy3127]

Didn't Harambe try to kill a kid

[@anakinskywalker6347]

​@londy3127 bro what , quite the opposite really the kid fell into harambes enclosure because the mum wasn't paying attention. Then harambee brought him to a side u could say to protect the kid really , but he unfortunately got shot by the keepers

[@virajlad1801]

I visited the zoo in 2011 and saw this beauty. its amazing how they took care of inuka like their child....Singapore zoo is indeed the best in the world!!👍

[@craistel5068]

rip inuka you will always be loved.

[@foxylover4045]

Yeah

[@ichigosandra]

I still remember running to see Inuka when i visited the zoo when i was young because I loved polar bears they're so cute... but it'll only remain in my memory forever now..

[@KP-ce6fx]

That last time i saw Inuka i was sec 1, last year, and he was swimming so fast and with so much power. He slid of the fake ice in the middle and so swiftly began swimming, so graceful yet enourmous. I stared in awe and ran up to the glass and touched it. He was so close to me, just a thin piece if glass away...and i loved him. I miss that. The first time i saw Inuka, he was with his mother Sheba, and i remeber that they were in a different enclosure then. They were playing and Inuka was so cute how he kept brushing up against his mother and jumping and running around. That was when i was about 5 or 6, in 2009 or 2010. It was such special moments like that i grieve...

[@scarreddust]

It's probably for the better as well ... Now he can be free and be with the rest of polar bears. I will miss him. I really hope that the concept of Zoo will stop taking in these smart, sentient, big animals such as polar, dolphin and orca.

[@aika9021]

Is to save the polar bear from extinction north pole is melting rn and a lot of polar bear lost their home because global warming

[@Diyesh]

Rip inuka.. you are at the best place now

[@kir3565]

I love you still Inuka! I cannot bear to see you in so much pain💔😭😭 we miss you so much! Every Singaporean loved Inuka. He was the light of the zoo. He was always the reason I went to the zoo. I wish I could see him one last time. He will forever have a special place in my heart💝 ⓜⒾⓈⓈⒾⓃⒼ ⓎⓄⓊ ⒾⓃⓊⓀⒶ!

[@Deathjoker_]

Nooooo~ i remember Inuka loves to swim towards the glass, place his cute foot on the glass and pushing himself away . RIP Inuka ❤

[@priscillalaw8029]

I know that I’m late...... Miss you lnuka I didn’t get to see you in my life.. I only went to zoo once.. I really like polar bears

[@imbored5722]

My school actually decided to let us go to the zoo after Inuka died... ☹️ When I went there, I was confused why Inuka wasn't in there... Then I suddenly remembered that Inuka has died... I felt sad cuz Everytime I went there, I would see Inuka swimming... But without him, it felt so empty

[@rahulmandala4930]

Rest Easy Inuka! We all love you so much! You will be loved forever❤❤

[@JklesChay]

R.I.P Inuka. I named my sister's polar bear soft toy after him.

[@jtjimmygaw55]

J-kles Chay I

[@qhallif6767]

So sweet

[@probablymusers4120]

i'm shattered into broken pieces. this has honestly left me in no words for inuka. rest in peace inuka , you'll always be remembered and loved. fly high angel :"(

[@libin-v6o]

I only had 1 chance to see Inuka,I don't regret seeing him only for that 10 minutes.It was an amazing moment for me,Inuka I would like to thank you for the happiness you have put in many of the children in Singapore.You are truly an amazing animal.

[@jeff-ix2iz]

2019? Anyway hope he has a great life in heaven.

[@jacklynsalleh7749]

S TELL ME.......WHERE YOU PEOPLE BURY INUKA'S BODY.......TELL ME

[@applepi730]

I was glad that I decided to go to the zoo when I was 5 years old... Inuka loved me so much, I hope Inuka did to others too. RIP INUKA

[@chexiplayz]

Aw man no wonder I couldn’t see him anymore:( I was a child I would see him once in a while everytime I went to the zoo he was like my best friend until the day he died He was a great polar bear and friends with everyone😊

[@steveread3303]

People should be treated with the same amount of love & respect & be allowed to die with dignity.

[@AA-cg9tf]

When i primary 2 last year we took a field trip to the zoo and i saw Inuka swimming in the water😍

[@Godzilla20219]

I love Inuka the Polar Bear, and I'm very sad that he had passed away 😔😔😭😭😭😭

[@queennikki01]

RIP Inuka. The kingdom of Paradise awaits you.

[@kitty_cinnamonCrossing]

I was only 10 when inuka it sadden me so much because i was animal lover At least He's at piece

[@syasyashamsuri233]

putting down animal to euthanization is a pain for us too but we have no choice, its better to let them go and knowing it stops their suffer.

[@diamondslimes4605]

😭😭😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😭😭😭😢😭😢😭😭😢😢 I saw inuka when I went to school camp at the zoo I love inuka ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@breakfastmochi]

I went there last year after my exams and saw him swimming and to see him leave just like that saddens me. It was only last year that i saw him and he just left so quickly. It shows sometimes how we take things for granted and we should cherish all the time we have with our loved ones. Rest in peace Inuka ❤️❤️

[@samsonnodelilah5459]

When your old ones are sick and alone dying would you kill them?...no!...so who are we to play god?!🤔

[@oiduncb3457]

Lyanna zul no one is playing god. It's just putting a stop to their suffering lol get educated

[@tinylilowls987]

Lyanna zul so u would rather let them suffer in pain than to let him go away peacefully and to put an end to his suffering....

[@RedzaImran]

The day before my bday

[@prasannabalamurugan6584]

Redza Imran LOL just be happy that fat bear has finally stopped being trapped in the zoo

[@prasannabalamurugan6584]

Wow guys

[@cloylim4774]

Same

[@MonkeyDLuffy-lc7jv]

Same ikr

[@andrewsin9270]

xisane please show some respect

[@stxrfire_9839]

Huh? Inuka died?! 😩😩😩😫😫😖😖😣😣😭😭😭😭😭 I want to go to singapore zoo! I want to see! Pls Don't go it breaks my heart so that's mean... THERE IS NO MORE POLAR BEAR ANYMORE IN SINGAPORE?! 😭😭😭😭😭rest in peace Inuka, we all love u stay healthy stay safe be brave remember us don't worry we will FOREVER remember u always trust us don't be naughty bye R. I. P Inuka 😭😭😭

[@claudia3074]

Cinta Suci Ramadhani dude you’re so late.....

[@stxrfire_9839]

Claudia Tan, yo, I just know it was last week

[@bluezgoldz]

It's kinda sad to see this. glad i had a video of him and his mom from 11 years ago

[@claratay2752]

At the singapore zoo how are we going to have a polar bear show.😢😢 Whenever I go to the zoo he always make me happy bit now he is gone. R.I.P Inuka Goodbye Inuka, I will always remeber you, God take very good care of Inuka in jesus name I pray amen . All of us love him

[@ParinandVarnasavang]

So sad

[@Mikkez9]

Poor Polar Bear, it's hard for Polar Bear to live in the tropics as their natural habitat revolves around ice and snow...

[@ssyvxo]

Mikkez9 um actually no he outlived normal wild polar bears by 2 years! That actually means he could survive longer in the tropics than his actual natural habitat

[@prasannabalamurugan6584]

Mikkez9 ikr if the polar bear were in the arctic it probably would have had a better life THAN being stuck in the zoo

[@liliski1242]

simplysyuhada so what? Hes here for a good time, not a long time.

[@prasannabalamurugan6584]

Starhawk you are right as if I was in my natural habitat I would be happier as I would not have internet and won't have to deal with idiots like you.

[@prasannabalamurugan6584]

Starhawk you don't realize that you and me don't matter including that polar bear. Also at least wild dogs are adopted by another species. What if you were adopted by another species? And you were naked most of the time with other species that wanna touch you

[@lhadykiller00]

See you in heaven inuka

[@thams.m2549]

Caging a wildlife animal is so inhumane. I feel sad for inuka for not living the life but actually used for entertainment purposes

[@aika9021]

You know that north pole is melting rn because global warming and a lot of polar bear died because of that,is to save the polar bear from extinction .

[@eggyfresh40]

I actually tearing up at work watching this. If Inuka was brought here to Singapore with that size and past on the emotions is different for when he was born and raise here. To see Inuka grow from a cub to an adult together with the trainers who took care of Inuka, is what made me teared up.

[@katielim9655]

Bears are my favorite animal so this makes me sad 1 like for me coz I’m sad and 900000 likes for Inuka

[@micahangelabangcaya6828]

i feel guilty cuz we always take where they live like when we see lands you dont know if animal lives there and you make buildings and everything WE ARE MADE OF GOD TO PROTECT HIS CREATION AND WE MAKE BUILDINGS IF WE MAKE MORE AND MORE BUILDINGS THEY WILL SUFFER AND DIE JUST BEACAUSE OF US

[@blackpinktwicebangtan8401]

SO sad I cried a thousand buckets I miss you

[@elizaglaze9714]

watching this video, breaks my heart, rest in peace, Inuka, we all love you and miss you!!

[@foxylover4045]

I love inuka and i cry non stop and i feel sad for inuka

[@yanscafe]

Just sad to hear the stories...thanks allot for.the zookeepers for their dedication and love....rip inuka

[@gayatrisrivastava9814]

I still remember seeing INUKA at the zoo and gushing over how beautifully he dived in and out of water..... hope he RIP

[@isienna]

Inuka died on my birthday...........

[@mattgrav3r374]

Where can i buy inukas pelt. I live in Malaysia and russian pelts are too expensive and risky to import. Pls contact me ifs elling

[@mattgrav3r374]

@@jiun88 How about one of his parents? My labrador retriver blanket is getting old?

[@darrylsoon2227]

I cried while watching this video... R.I.P Inuka! We will all miss you 😘

[@3m1v36]

Inukas death day was my birthday

[@CubySteve]

*Rest in peace*, you'll be missed by everyone. You're the one that brighten up the zoo. You're the one that made kids happy. You're the one and only Singaporean Polar Bear we know. *May you rest in peace*

[@michaelling6352]

CubySteve why does it have to suffer all these to entertain human to make u guys laugh dun understand the logic anymore

[@idahaman9743]

aren't there Sheba?

[@Zepellin]

@@michaelling6352 zoos aren’t for entertainment. They’re for conservation

[@aurelia198]

I cried so much my pillow got soaked 😭

[@foxylover4045]

lol

[@starwarsanimations5678]

rip inuka we will always remember u

[@kaykay-ys2ty]

Rip. I will miss you forever and I wont forget how much joy u have brought to me when i first saw u when i was 3 until now. U will and still be my favourite polar bear :")😭😢

[@jefferygayp4904]

I saw inuka b4 he was Swimming fast and so cute

[@elijahlagman4492]

When we went there Inuka is still very happy we even bought a souvenir polar bear but now :(

[@AnkurRoy-bi9yz]

I had the privilege to visit this zoo and see lovely Inuka in 2017. First and last time I saw a Polar Bear. He was beautiful.

[@poonpolchitra-dhara8490]

Rest In Peace, Inuka. You are loved, always.☀️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️💛💚💙💕💖

[@darrentan4579]

Polar Bear Frozen Planet 2

[@junvalmadrid4392]

Inuka, since the day the I have seen you, I have been very happy, but since when you died, I have been very sad, Inuka. Inuka you will be missed. 😭😭😭 We will pray for you. 🙏🙏🙏

[@darrentan4579]

Polar Bear Our Planet 2

[@megan_here7600]

I was there singing for Inuka his brith was treasured by everyone there including me now it’s hard to let him go inuka will be missed

[@cokenpsurya]

Love you inuka will always cherish those moments....😪😪

[@FreyaEinde]

I feel so sad for the caretakers. They clearly took good care of him and loved him a lot.

[@JDisLimitless]

RIP

[@darrentan4579]

Polar Bear Our Planet

[@jennaangeles4084]

Im from philipines ive go in the singapore when i was five he so cute i miss him

[@sharslime5721]

I cried when watching the video, but Inuka will always be in our heart.And we will always love him no matter what.😭

[@darrentan4579]

Polar Bear 🐻‍❄️

[@TipsyCrackpot]

KZbin recommended this again. After 1 year. I'm crying buckets :( I miss you, Inuka!

[@soph5294]

I’ve been to Singapore and seen him before when I was a little kid. I would always love to see him play and interact with people. I will miss him😥💙

[@icylnx1170]

Awwwww rip.... I went to see him so many times, I always go to the Zoe when I was young, and even bought a polar bear soft toy from the zoo......... he was so active happy and cute and always loves swimming in the water and interacting with people........ but now we won’t see him anymore. We will sure miss him! But he is in a better place now 😭😭😭😭

[@hesedwisdom7222]

Gone but never be forgotten.....he still has a piece of memory in our heart. Tears rolled again on my cheeks when I watched this video again. We love u inuka 💐💐💐💐

[@ricardosegura3270]

I just went too the zoo and I was too late I am almost crying 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭Why now😭😭😭😭😭 Why now😭😭

[@nwxzzz]

Dont remember him that much but I was still a child in the 2000s when I first went to the zoo. It was significant for me to see a polar bear for the first time. Saddened to know that will be my first and last time I’ll be seeing him because I never had the chance to go back to the zoo.Bears do grow up so fast

[@dyanerjane]

Dear Inuka U are in a better place now the whole people in singapore missed u I wish u an early birthday I MISS U SO SO MUCH I WISH U CAN COME BACK I'm so sorry I cant see you before u live but me and friends make a note book about you I LOVE AND MISSED U SO MUCH INUKA !! NOT ANY OF THE POLAR BEAR CAN REPLACE U THERE IS ONLY ONE INUKA WHCIH IS U. U ARE MY ONE AND ONLY FAVOURITE ANIMAL LOVE INUKA !! 💞💞💞😢😢😢

[@Sniffmyballs]

Save polar bears stop climate change

[@ameliemae1716]

I went and met Inuktitut that I was like five and triggered to see the biggest snow bear 🤣but I missed him lately animals dying because of hoomans and hoomans eating those poor animals people don’t saya this but what I say is true animals don’t bite while hoomans do 💔😔animals are literally death inside no wonder these animals are dying animals have feeling too 😭 I was six when I heard the news everybody LOVES That SNOW BEAR 😭😭😭I actually wanted to go there when he died but I was too small may I uma be in peace and in our hearts ❤️❤️❤️🤞🏼😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.

[@limwowo5902]

The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) discussed with the zoo a proposal to move Inuka to a temperate country zoo. According to a study by the society in 2005, Sheba and Inuka were showing signs of behavioural and physical distress such as signs of heat stress, high levels of inactivity, high levels of abnormal stereotypical behaviour, and performing unusual behaviours such as waving and ringing a bell at feeding shows. ACRES claimed that the pool's temperature was at 17°C, much higher than the water conditions in the Arctic. ACRES asked the zoo again to improve his enclosure.

[@gwelshi8086]

I remember seeing Inuka when me and my family travelled to Singapore in 2016, Rest in Peace Inuka

[@charmainechin9249]

I remember when I went to the Zoo once on my birthday and one of the most special parts of it was seeing Inuka, born and bred in Singapore, swimming happily in the enclosure. So thankful for the zookeepers and staff who ensured his quality of life despite being born in a tropical country. It can't have been an easy decision to let him go. It's been years but RIP Inuka

[@nosurrender9857]

We love you inuka 💐💐

[@violydiansay4679]

Poor Inuka

[@coughingpenguin4346]

hi

[@MrNavarros]

I still remember like it was yesterday, watching Sheba as a little boy always excites me. I was amazed by polar bears I must say, and than Inuka I didn’t know we shared the same age. Inuka will be 30 years of age if he’s still here with us. Inuka passing makes me realise that life is short, we may be breathing today but tomorrow is not guaranteed. Visited Inuka’s memorial site yesterday and it brings me back to the memory lane. My wife and I sat there for a good 40mins talking about our childhood memories of Sheba&Inuka. May you bears Rest In Peace. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience and know you bears in this humid country. I wish my kids get the chance to meet you bears.

[@lucyfiniarel2347]

As a 90s baby like Inuka, I grew up with trips to the Singapore Zoo. I remember a tiny cub with his mama 🥹 I remember feeling so sad seeing him swimming alone when I was a teenager - this was after Sheba died. Rest in peace Inuka.

[@dxhlvr8530]

They should put no windows on the ceiling and then whole ceiling should be with aircon

[@disapptdlo7396]

Come on. Its a biz decision. He is still swimming and eating well. Just becuz he has bad arthritis and ulcerations, u kill him. Make sure u do the same to your parents when they are like that too k? It's not like he was not moving much or not eating. He was still swimming in e pool for hours on Monday! And he had just celebrated his Bday in Dec and ate the whole fish jelly cake. I'm gog to Boycott the zoo!

[@yifeiiiwang5762]

Inuka Rest In Peace. We love you and hope you are always happy there. I’m really sad for not seeing you at the river safari now. We love you❤️

[@ojaz8510]

So many keyboard warriors...so many preachers....like as if you guys spent the most time with it to know it so well, compared to its caretaker.....right...

[@lovelylovelyunicorn3361]

There was a announcement in my school and they said RIP lnuka we will miss you

[@catherinelei8127]

I am thinking off Inuka the whole 3 days I'm so sad :(

[@madihahrasool5302]

Awwwwhhhh I visited him he was one amazing bear!!!

[@milkncookiezzzz]

Well we know Inuka is in a better place now ❤️

[@tangaako5908]

wild animals are being kept in zoos for the sake of money .. we People shouldn’t patronize visiting any zoos, all these poor animals deserve to be out in the wild, where they truly belong ❤️