Oldest bear at Cochrane, Ont., Polar Bear Habitat dies

Inukshuk, the 21-year-old polar bear at the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat, has died, officials announced Monday.

"We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Inukshuk," the group said in a Facebook post.

"Following extensive collaboration between a diverse group of veterinary professionals, it was discovered Inukshuk had developed kidney disease. Both the veterinary team and our dedicated animal care team went above and beyond to provide him treatment, but after all options were exhausted, we made the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize him this morning."

Inukshuk was rescued from the coast of the Hudson Bay when he was just three months old, the post said.

He was orphaned in early 2003 near Fort Severn and rescued by the local police force. He was kept overnight at the police station, then was moved to the Toronto Zoo.

"Young polar bears need to spend at least two years with their mothers, to learn how to survive in the Arctic, so at such a young age he had no chance of survival," the habitat said on its website.

Inukshuk spent time at the Toronto Zoo, the Zoo Sauvage and has been at the Cochrane habitat for the past eight years.

o    Download our app to get local alerts on your device

o    Get the latest local updates right to your inbox

"We have had the pleasure of watching him thrive and his world grow after being introduced to his first male companion, Henry, in 2018," the post said.

"While together, they enjoyed nothing more than swimming together in the lake, eating cattails along the bank and taking and afternoon nap in the sun. He has participated in many research projects and has taught us so much about providing the best life we can to the bears in our care."

"He will be remembered for his iconic nose scrunch, toe-grabs while rolling around and his love of playing the 'still hunting' game with his animal care team."

The habit said it will remain closed until Aug. 30 to allow staff to focus on caring for its remaining two polar bears, Henry and Ganuk.

"The loss of Inukshuk means the loss of a family member for our team," the post said.

"We recognize the impact he has had on the lives of all who have met him, but we ask for your understanding and respect as we navigate our grief."