Arturo The Polar Bear In Exile In Argentina...

[sandyRoe]

My fellow ABers,

Arturo is a polar bear native to the Arctic circle -- but he is currently living in a concrete enclosure in Argentina's Mendoza Zoo where temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Even worse, Arturo has been alone since the death of his companion Pelusa two years ago. He has displayed many signs of "abnormal behaviour," baring his teeth while pacing and rocking from side to side.

I just signed a Care2 petition demanding that the Mendoza Zoo released Arturo to be transferred to Canada's International Polar Bear Conservation Centre. Will you sign too? Here's a link to the petition:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/815/615/329/free-arturo-argentinas-only-polar-bear-from-living-hell/

Thank you.

[wolf63]

It's a horrible situation

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Animals-and-Nature/Question1352162.html

Sandy - I hope that your mutt is well. My cats are not at all impressed with the heat.

[sandyRoe]

Wolf 63, I've learned my lesson regarding the heat. It's late night walks for the dog and me. That's more comfortable for both of us. I also had her clipped, she looks half the dog she was, and seems a lot livelier.

[kvalidir]

Signed- poor thing :(

[wolf63]

I used to drag my poor dog out in the hot weather - looking back it wasn't such a clever idea. It is easy to forget that they regulate their body heat differently.

Save the Polar Bear. Arturo is one depressed looking bear. I presume that a depressed and grumpy Polar Bear would be an animal that would be dangerous.

[Peter Pedant]

Mendoza isnt a bad place - decent wine and they arrested my brother for spying.

I open a glassof their decent white and think of him....

[oh they let him out later ].....

[sandyRoe]

PP, was he a spy or was it just another of those unhappy coincidences where someone finds themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time?

[viv38]

Argentina are refusing to let him go. I've already signed this petition. Poor creature.

[wolf63]

viv - when I read your comment I thought, initially, that you mean PP's brother who is the spy.

[sandyRoe]

I'm sure PP's brother has come back safely, made his report to the higher ups at Vauxhall Bridge Rd, and is eagerly waiting for his next assignment from Her Majesty's secret service.

[viv38]

No, the poor sad polar bear wolf. They must have hearts of stone to keep looking at its misery and refuse to let it go. Bloody awful.

[sandyRoe]

You'd think an animal in misery wouldn't be much of an attraction in a zoo, but their welfare isn't a worldwide concern. There are 'zoos' in China where they feed live cattle to the lions and at feeding times the places are packed. :-(