The World is Trying to Rescue the Saddest Polar Bear Ever

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  • 1/23
    A campaign is underway to save Arturo, the last polar bear in Argentina, who has been described as “the world’s saddest animal”.
    1/23 A campaign is underway to save Arturo, the last polar bear in Argentina, who has been described as “the world’s saddest animal”.
  • 2/23
    Arturo currently lives in Mendoza Zoo, the only zoo in Mendoza, Argentina.
    2/23 Arturo currently lives in Mendoza Zoo, the only zoo in Mendoza, Argentina.
  • 3/23
    The 29-year-old bear has been living in the enclosure for more than 20 years.
    3/23 The 29-year-old bear has been living in the enclosure for more than 20 years.
  • 4/23
    Arturo is believed to be unwell and to have become depressed since the death of his long-term companion, Pelusa, two years ago.
    4/23 Arturo is believed to be unwell and to have become depressed since the death of his long-term companion, Pelusa, two years ago.
  • 5/23
    5/23
  • 6/23
    Arturo was born in the US in 1985 and arrived in Mendoza in 1993.
    6/23 Arturo was born in the US in 1985 and arrived in Mendoza in 1993.
  • 7/23
    This is where he lives.
    7/23 This is where he lives.
  • 8/23
    Arturo is currently living in temperatures that can climb to as high as 40 degrees. Polar bears like him typically need to live in temperatures at minus 40 degrees.
    8/23 Arturo is currently living in temperatures that can climb to as high as 40 degrees. Polar bears like him typically need to live in temperatures at minus 40 degrees.
  • 9/23
    9/23
  • 10/23
    Experts say that his behavior is “abnormal” and fear his mental health is deteriorating.
    10/23 Experts say that his behavior is “abnormal” and fear his mental health is deteriorating.
  • 11/23
    Animal rights campaigners are now desperately trying to get him moved to another zoo that offers cooler conditions.
    11/23 Animal rights campaigners are now desperately trying to get him moved to another zoo that offers cooler conditions.
  • 12/23
    But apparently Mendoza Zoo – where Arturo is currently enclosed – blocked an effort to move him to Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Canada, in February.
    12/23 But apparently Mendoza Zoo – where Arturo is currently enclosed – blocked an effort to move him to Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Canada, in February.
  • 13/23
    In Winnipeg, there is a new International Polar Bear Conservation Centre that would suit Arturo’s needs.
    13/23 In Winnipeg, there is a new International Polar Bear Conservation Centre that would suit Arturo’s needs.
  • 14/23
    The zoo did not believe the bear would survive the two-day trip. To avoid making “a big mistake”, the medical board decided against it.
    14/23 The zoo did not believe the bear would survive the two-day trip. To avoid making “a big mistake”, the medical board decided against it.
  • 15/23
    For Arturo to be moved to Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency requires specific records dating back at least three years.
    15/23 For Arturo to be moved to Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency requires specific records dating back at least three years.
  • 16/23
    It’s been reported that Mendoza Zoo had failed to provide the needed documents.
    16/23 It’s been reported that Mendoza Zoo had failed to provide the needed documents.
  • 17/23
    The campaign to have Arturo relocated to another zoo has been building for months, and has driven huge numbers of people to take action.
    17/23 The campaign to have Arturo relocated to another zoo has been building for months, and has driven huge numbers of people to take action.
  • 18/23
    A Greenpeace petition to have Arturo moved to Canada has received nearly 200,000 signatures.
    18/23 A Greenpeace petition to have Arturo moved to Canada has received nearly 200,000 signatures.
  • 19/23
    The signatures will be delivered to Argentina’s president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.
    19/23 The signatures will be delivered to Argentina’s president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.
  • 20/23
    Last week, the hashtag #FreeArturo was trending worldwide as campaigners called for Arturo to be relocated.
    20/23 Last week, the hashtag #FreeArturo was trending worldwide as campaigners called for Arturo to be relocated.
  • 21/23
    Even high-profile stars such as Cher have voiced their concerns over Arturo.
    21/23 Even high-profile stars such as Cher have voiced their concerns over Arturo.
  • 22/23
    A Facebook page called Save Polar Bear Arthur has been set up to campaign for the bear’s safety.
    22/23 A Facebook page called Save Polar Bear Arthur has been set up to campaign for the bear’s safety.
  • 23/23
    The zoo has made no comment.
    23/23 The zoo has made no comment.
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