MEDIA RELEASE
SINGAPORE ZOO BEGINS 10-DAY CELEBRATION
FOR POLAR BEAR INUKA’S 25TH BIRTHDAY
Zoo launches Our Arctic Future photo exhibition with Royal Danish Embassy to raise awareness
on natural arctic habitat of polar bears; Inuka to enjoy birthday ice treats for 10 days until 26 December
NEW DELHI, 16 December 2015 –Inuka, the first polar bear born in the tropics and a popular attraction at Singapore Zoo turns 25 this year. The Zoo has kicked-off a 10-day celebration along with a photo exhibition to raise awareness on the natural arctic habitat of polar bears, which was opened by Her Excellency Berit Basse, Ambassador of Denmark to Singaporeevent held in Singapore Zoo’s Frozen Tundra section.
Mr. Mike Barclay, CEO, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said, “As Inuka,Singapore’s very own locally born and bred polar bear turns 25, he is officially in his golden years and we will adjust his care to ensure he continues to enjoy a great quality of life with us here in the Singapore Zoo. We are very happy to celebrate his birthday with this excellentOur Arctic Future photo exhibition.”
Our Arctic Futurephoto exhibition highlights the importance of sustainability and evolving relationships between people and the arctic and has been developed by the Natural History Museum of Denmark. As Singapore approaches the close of its golden jubilee year, the photo exhibition also commemorates 50 years of bilateral relations between Denmark and Singapore.
Inuka is extremely popular and loved by Zoo visitors and staff alike. He is fondly referred to as the “best Christmas present ever” by Singapore Zoo keepers because he was born in his mother’s den in the early hours of 26 December 1990. At 25 years, Inuka is a senior polar bear. His last health check in July this yearshowed age-related conditions like arthritis and dental issues which the Singapore Zoo veterinary team is closely monitoring.Inuka currently measures 2.5m from nose to tail, and weighs 581kg.
During the 10-daycelebration, guests of Singapore Zoo can catch Inuka enjoying treats each afternoon at 1.20pm and learn more about the fascinating arctic landscape in Our Arctic Future photo exhibition atthe Zoo’s Frozen Tundra.
The public can follow the festivities over the 10-day celebrations via Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
About Singapore Zoo
Set in a rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo's world-famous "Open Concept” offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. Home to more than 2,800 specimens over 300 species, 26% of which are threatened, the Zoo has attained a strong reputation internationally for its conservation initiatives and breeding programmes. To better meet the healthcare needs of its animals and working towards its aspiration to become a leading global centre of excellence for veterinary healthcare and research, a purpose-built Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre was set up in March 2006. Annually, over 1.7 million visitors enjoy experiential learning journeys at the 26-hectare award-winning Zoo. Singapore Zoo is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore. The Zoo is a designated rescued wildlife centre by the governing authority. More information can be found at
ABOUT WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is the holding company of award-winning attractions Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo. WRS is dedicated to the management of world-class leisure attractions that foster conservation and research while educating visitors about animals and their habitats.
A self-funded organisation, WRS also collaborates with various partners, organisations and institutions aimed at protecting local and global biodiversity. Each year, Jurong Bird Park welcomes approximately 800,000 visitors, Night Safari 1.1 million, River Safari 1 million, and Singapore Zoo 1.7 million. The organisation’s latest attraction is River Safari, which officially opened on 28 February 2014.
More information can be found at wrs.sg wrs.ig @tweetWRS
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