Algae-dyed polar bears puzzles Japan zoo visitors

Discussion in 'News and Article Submission' started by xzKinGzxBuRnzx, Sep 10, 2008.

  1. xzKinGzxBuRnzx

    xzKinGzxBuRnzx The Feature Man

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    Ever seen a green polar bear?

    I haven't, I was amazed when I was reading this article. Are you wondering why the bear is green? Yahoo News - " Mon Sep 8, 7:29 AM

    TOKYO - Green polar bears are drawing questions from puzzled visitors at a Japanese zoo. Three normally white polar bears at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in central Japan changed their color in July after swimming in a pond with an overgrowth of algae.

    The sight of green polar bears has prompted many questions from visitors concerned about whether the animals are sick or carrying mold, zoo official Masami Kurobe said Sunday.
    "Visitors seem to be shocked by the color, and we are asked every day why they are so green," he said.
    High temperatures in July and August and less-frequent water changes because of the zoo's conservation efforts caused an algae growth in the bear pond and safety moat, Kurobe said.
    Algae that enters hollow spaces in the bears' fur is hard to rinse off, he said.

    The bears are expected to return to their natural color when the algae growth subsides in November, Kurobe said."

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  2. InsaneNutter

    InsaneNutter Resident Nutter Staff Member

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    I think the algae has just stained the bears fur, if you want swimming with a white t-shirt in a pond full of algae I think your t-shirt would end up quite green. I’m sure once there fur grows a bit they will end up white again.

    Interesting post (Y)
     
  3. Safinn

    Safinn Addict

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    Firstly I thought it was naturally like that which would be interesting but I think it will restore back to its usual colour in a while.
     
  4. CurlySteve

    CurlySteve Elite Member

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    the polarbears fur is hollow so it is probibly caught in the fur and this is why it is hard for the green to come out.
     

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