In what can be described as “way too soon”, a local homeware brand went ahead and capitalized on the death paid homage to the legacy of Singapore’s last polar bear Inuka, the magnificent beast that was put down yesterday.
As well-intentioned as the thought may be, retailers IUIGA decided to name a white porcelain teapot after the animal. “White, beautiful, and commanding a strong presence, the porcelain tea series will cement Inuka’s legacy as the last Polar Bear in Singapore.” We cannot make this shit up.
What a disappointing prestige for the beloved Singapore Zoo mascot. For being the first polar bear to be born in the tropics and living to a ripe old age of 27 years filled with delighting visitors from all around the world, its death is being commemorated by an uppity homeware brand through a fragile, boring teapot (with lid) that costs nearly $35. I mean sure, if the proceeds went towards the Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s animal conservation efforts, it would have been pretty righteous — but alas, it seems like IUIGA will reap all the profits from a loss of life that didn’t even take two days to capitalize on.
Don’t take it from us though; take it from the people who shamed the retailers for such a tasteless tactic.
For a brand that boasts a team of being “deeply obsessed with good quality”, they sure aren’t too obsessed with having some class. IUIGA fans may like buying quality home and decor items for cheap, but blatantly taking advantage of a nationally beloved animal might sully whatever good faith they have with existing customers.
