Hmmm seems they would have noticed him acting sick before hand... but wasn't he kinda "depressed" since the original handler died? so maybe he had already been acting sluggish and what not so they didn't notice the change? I dont' know. I can't imagine they just ignored it... considering what a big deal everyone made about him and how much money he was bringing in to the zoo. I'd think if they noticed anything was off they would have dealt with it. I can't imagine they just ignored it to let him suffer or anything.

As for him being stuffed I also don't see a problem with it. His presence at the zoo spurred a lot of education and advocacy from people. people actually cared and wanted to learn more. I think stuffing him and putting him in a museum will continue to educate people. If they just bury him or cremate him then he's out of sight out of mind and in 10 years everyone will forget. this way he's always there... he's never out of sight out of mind. Even in his death he will continue to be a pillar for education on polar bears, endangered species, the environment etc.