Inuka, the first polar bear born in the tropics, was put down yesterday after a rapid decline in health, with Singapore Zoo mourning the loss of one of its best-loved animals, reports AFP from Singapore.

The bear, 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.

Born at the zoo, Inuka was particularly popular with visitors due to his playful antics in his enclosure.

But in recent years he had suffered age-related ailments including arthritis, and an examination at the start of this month revealed his health was failing markedly.

His weakened limbs had trouble supporting his body and he developed cuts on his paws and a wound on his abdomen.

After a final check-up, vets found that Inuka’s health had not improved despite intensive treatment and decided not to revive him from anaesthesia.

“Singaporeans have known Inuka from the time he was a cub, and have seen him growing up and ageing,” said Mohan Ponichamy, one of his keepers.

“It has been a privilege and honour being his caregiver, but difficult as it may be, it would not have been fair to prolong his suffering.”

Inuka had been put on a “seniors programme” at the zoo for the past five years to help elderly animals deal with the effects of ageing.

He had slowed down in recent months, and became Muslim immigrants, whom he said “don’t assimilate” and “hate us.”