News like this remind us of how we as a civilization suck at being “caretakers of the earth”.
This is Arturo, a 30-year-old polar bear at the Mendoza Zoological Park, Argentina. On July 3, Arturo died from complications which arose from old age as well as his horrid living conditions.
Dubbed the “world’s saddest animal”, Arturo was 8 years old when he was taken from his home and shipped to Argentina.
Housed in a cement enclosure in the arid South American climate, Arturo suffered under temperatures that would reach as high as 104 degrees in the summer.
This is especially harrowing when you realize that polar bears in the wild live in minus 40C weather in the Arctic, where they swim in frosty waters and hunt for prey.
Animal rights advocates said that during the last few years of his life, Arturo exhibited signs of “insanity”, like repetitive movements, that typically arise from the stress of captivity.
“Arturo spent a lifetime in conditions that I think would be inherently stressful and unkind to him as an animal,” said Barry MacKay, senior program associate at Born Free USA.
“Every part of a polar bear’s body is designed for snow, for ice, for predatory habits, and roaming huge distances. For 30 years Arturo was deprived of it,” he added.
Arturo couldn’t even cool himself off in water, as his tiny pool was just 20 inches deep.
The pathetic excuse for shelter notwithstanding, Arturo may also have died of loneliness.
His life partner died two years ago, leaving Arturo to wander around aimlessly in his concrete pit, walking back and forth under a tiny shaded area.
News of the polar bear’s pitiful condition spread, and thousands around the world wrote petitions to move Arturo to a zoo in Canada, where the climate was much more favorable.
“The heat must be unbearable for him, making his lonely life that much worse,” one concerned resident of Argentina wrote. “Seeing the pictures of his despair and suffering is so hard to bear. Could you please reevaluate his situation.”
For years, people everywhere have tried to appease Arturo’s suffering. But now it’s too late.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts to inform you that Dear Arturo gave up his fight to live, and passed away today,” said an announcement posted last Sunday on Free Arturo, an advocacy page determined to help the bear.
“Arturo I wish you had known of the so many people worldwide who loved you, who fought for you, who tried so hard to bring your plight more awareness.”
“I think it’s a tragic situation, and I hope that we can put an end to keeping these animals in environments that aren’t good for them,” MacKay said.
“You are free now, Arturo.”