Alexander leads tributes to a most popular constituent

The MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Stratspey said: "Mercedes was my largest and probably one of my most popular constituents. She will be greatly missed, but I am glad that her final years were spent in the world-class Highland home that was built for her in Kincraig. These past couple of winters, she could almost have been in the Arctic itself.

"Her journey north reflected a welcome transformation in the treatment of polar bears in captivity. Sadly, her life has also seen the wild polar bear population become much more precarious due to melting sea ice and loss of habitat."

The website of the Royal Zoological Society carried an obituary of Mercedes and a Facebook page was set up where people could share their memories of the very special bear.

On Twitter the news was greeted with sadness by people who had visited Mercedes at the Highland Wildlife Park or who remembered her from Edinburgh Zoo.

Michaela Crosthwaite wrote: "Really sad to hear Mercedes the polar bear has gone to the big iceberg in the sky! Loved 'working' with her last year at Highland Wildlife Park."

Laura Snell added: "Sad about Mercedes the polar bear being put down. Saw her at Highland Wildlife Park last year, but she looked sad."

For some Mercedes brought back memories of childhood. Kyle McHatton wrote: "Sad to hear that Mercedes the polar bear had to be 'put to sleep'. I remember going to see her when I was little."

Liz Melville added: "Sad news - Mercedes the polar bear died this morning. A much loved bear in Edinburgh Zoo."