Post by sky on Jan 6, 2013 7:57:22 GMT 12
The last remaining polar bear at Buenos Aires Zoo has died after overheating in soaring summer temperatures. ‘Winner,’ who was one of best loved attractions at the zoo, is believed to have been unable to control its body temperature in the extreme heat of the Argentinean summer and died of heatstroke. The animal, which was covered in heavy fur to cope with freezing conditions in its native Arctic habitat, was also believed to have been frightened by the noise from fireworks let off to celebrate Christmas Eve. The animals used to live in a pool but their cage was improved in 1993 when a 145,000-litre pool was built along with a site for birthing and three security rings. The zoo said in a statement that it had been visited by experts and met all international regulations to house polar bears. –Daily Mail