Inuka may be put down on Wednesday, April 25, 2018.

The 27-year-old polar bear in the Singapore Zoo will undergo what could possibly be its final round of medical examination to determine if it is suffering.

If its welfare is compromised and its health is deteriorating, the zoo's medical team would make the painful decision of putting it down.

Health in decline

News of Inuka's suffering was made know earlier in April 2018.

The male bear has arthritis, dental issues and occasional ear infections. It has been increasingly inactive and its poor health was first noted at the beginning of 2018.

It has, however, outlived the average life expectancy of 25 years for polar bears in captivity. Polar bears in the wild typically expire at 18 years old.

Visitors throng zoo

On Saturday, April 21, following widespread news of Inuka's pessimistic outlook, well-wishers thronged the Singapore Zoo to catch a glimpse of the last polar bear to reside at the zoo's Frozen Tundra.

Inuka was seen mostly lying prone as it displayed little activity.

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Well-wishers left scores of cards and letters for the polar bear.

A sign informed visitors that Inuka's interaction sessions have been suspended.

The mood was sombre.

Born in the Singapore Zoo on Dec. 26, 1990, Inuka is the offspring of Nanook and Sheba that were brought to Singapore in 1978.

According to the Singapore Zoo, one criterion of animal welfare is to alleviate pain.

If it is unable to do that, it will not allow the animal to continue suffering.

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