No kidding. This 1,173-pound carnivorous mammal largely seen in the Arctic Circle, where ice and snow is abundant, is right HERE! In tropical, wet-dry season Singapore... 4,600 miles away from its original habitat and just 124 miles near the equator! Housed in the same zip code as elephants, kangaroos, orangutans, and tigers, this gigantic furry beast is a thing to behold!
Standing at 8 feet, 22-year old Inuka can be seen in its $8M climate-controlled home at Singapore Zoo's Frozen Tundra.
Here's an excerpt from their page:
Chill out at the Frozen Tundra, the newest exhibit in Singapore Zoo that is the size of 2.5 basketball court put together.
Built to resemble the arctic habitat, the Frozen Tundra has a cool temperature, an ice cave with a waterfall, and a large pool filled with giant ice blocks.
Inuka, our locally-born polar bear, is the star of the Frozen Tundra. From the viewing gallery in the frozen tunnel, check out how our playful Inuka swim in the cool pool, or even chill in the ice-cold cave!
Without the extreme cold (-50ยบ F temperatures) and frost bites, seeing its massive paws and physique as it plunged gracefully deep into the water was surreal. Oh and don't forget, we were on flip-flops, shorts, and tees instead of the usual caribou or parka whom the indigenous people of the Arctic regions wear to withstand the cold.
Never in our lifetime have we envisioned of seeing a polar bear face to face and almost touching its paws! Truly an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, knowing that Wildlife Reserves Singapore is constantly monitoring its health and welfare give us peace of mind Inuka is well-taken cared of. See what fun we had! Below are the photos and video...
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