Even Polar Bears Are Green in the Tropics
Singapore Zoo’s two polar bears are getting bleached after turning bright green from harmless algae growing in their hollow hair shafts, zoo spokesman Vincent Tan said.
Polar bears have clear hair that appears white because it reflects light. Sheba and Inuka turned green as a result of Singapore’s “warm and humid tropical conditions,” Tan said.
Sheba was bleached with hydrogen peroxide 2 1/2 weeks ago, and Inuka will get a similar treatment, he said.
For now, Inuka remains mottled with bright grass-colored splotches.
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