Inuka, Singapore’s first born and bred polar, also the first polar bear born in the tropics, was put down Wednesday after a rapid decline in health. The bear, whose name means “Silent Stalker” in Inuit, had reached the grand old age of 27, akin to a human being in his 70s. /VCG Photo

Recent physical examinations on Inuka revealed that he had been suffering from arthritis, dental issues and ear infections. Weakening limbs also hindered the aging bear's ability to walk. /VCG Photo

Singapore Zoo made the difficult but necessary decision to let Inuka go as health issues seriously impacted his welfare. His death marks the end of an era for the zoo, which has said it will no longer keep any more polar bears in its collection. /VCG Photo

Born on December 26, 1990, Inuka was particularly popular with visitors due to his playful antics in his enclosure. He lived in a climate-controlled Frozen Tundra enclosure. /VCG Photo