A male polar bear at the San Diego Zoo has died at age 24, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced Friday.

Kalluk recently began to show signs of age-related illness, prompting the zoo's wildlife care and health experts to conduct a proactive and comprehensive wellness evaluation, according to a statement from the alliance, which operates the zoo. San Diego Zoo

"After thoroughly reviewing the results and evaluating all options, wildlife experts made the difficult decision to say goodbye," the statement reporting Kalluk's death on Thursday said.

Kalluk and his sister, Tatqiq, arrived at the zoo in 2001 as orphaned cubs alongside their companion, Chinook, according to the alliance.

"Wildlife care specialists will remember him as a calm strength within the trio, with an inquisitive

See Full Page