Green Polar Bears

[Mulboyne]

Sky: Algae Turns Polar Bears Green
The powerful beasts at the country's Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens are normally white to match their native Arctic habitats. But their changed colour in July after swimming in a pond with an overgrowth of algae. Zoo official Masami Kurobe said that the sight of green polar bears has sparked concern amongst visitors about whether the animals are sick or carrying mold. They changed colour in July after swimming in a pond with an overgrowth of algae. Zoo official Masami Kurobe said that the sight of green polar bears has sparked concern amongst visitors about whether the animals are sick or carrying mold.

[Taro Toporific]

I like the Japanese headline from Sankei Sports better...

ホッキョクグマが抹茶風になりました
Polar bear gained green tea powder style

[AssKissinger]

Shouldn't their water be way too cold to support algae? They're probably totally uncomfortable.

[Catoneinutica]

Poor damn bears. J-zoos are dire - danchi for animals.

What's up with this quote from the article?

"Mr Kurobe said high temperatures in July and August and less-frequent water changes because of the zoo's conservation efforts have caused an algae growth in the bear pond and safety moat."

By "conservation efforts," I assume they mean water conversation, but isn't water one thing that Japan has in abundance? Sounds more like poor maintenance - an oft-told story in Japan.