Hong Kong Ocean Park's last 2 arctic foxes, both 11, die of old age

Hong Kong's last two Arctic foxes have both died of age-related decline, said Ocean Park in a Feb. 21 statement.

Siu Go and Trinity were known affectionately as the "Arctic Fox Grandmas" by members of the public.

Their deaths mark the end of the Arctic fox display in Hong Kong after 14 years, reported The Standard.

The enclosure had been temporarily closed after the death of Trinity. Siu Go followed soon afterwards.

They were both 11.

Beloved foxes

Arctic foxes first arrived at Ocean Park with the opening of the cold-climate exhibit in 2012, alongside other animals like penguins and seals.

In 2014, six cubs were born to parents Gochi (dad) and Mochi (mum) — the first-ever Arctic foxes born in Hong Kong.

But over time, the group dwindled due to health issues like epilepsy and tumours.

A spokesperson from Ocean Park Hong Kong said that the park's animal care team closely monitored the health of each Arctic fox throughout their later years, and "provided them with meticulous care", according to the South China Morning Post.

“However, they ultimately succumbed to age-related and irreversible functional decline... Park staff and visitors who met these animal ambassadors will miss them dearly.”

According to National Geographic, the average life expectancy of an Arctic fox in the wild is three to six years.

Top image from maka.baka16/Instagram and Mothership