Argentina has decided to keep the "world's saddest polar bear," leaving more than 800,000 people and celebrities, who lobbied for the animal to be taken home, disappointed.

Argentina's Mendoza Zoo Director, Gustavo Pronotto, said they will not be taking Arturo, the 28-year-old polar bear currently in captivity, to Canada because he is too old be relocated.

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"We must avoid a big mistake, like his death during the trip or upon arrival. One must evaluate the risks carefully. He is old, and this would require many hours of anesthesia," Pronotto said in a public interview.

Pronotto also stated that there is no need to bother the bear because Arturo is well-taken care of.

Animal rights activists believe that Arturo is experiencing depression because of the concrete structure he's caged in.

Polar bear experts said the 28-year-old mammal showed symptoms of depression like baring his teeth, nervous and regular pacing in the cage, head tilting, and rocking his body back and forth.

Greenpeace and other groups also said that it is riskier to keep Arturo in Argentina's warm temperatures, which can reach up to 86 Fahrenheit during summer.

The petitioners emphasized that Arturo's companion in the zoo, Aluza, died of cancer in 2012 because of the high temperatures in Argentina. They also said that the small cages diminished the quality of life of the bears.

They also highlighted the condition of Arturo's shallow pool, which is reportedly only 20 inches deep compared to the larger pool he could have in Canada which is 60 feet deep. He would also be in the company of other polar bears in Canada, which will help increase the animal's social activity.

Wild polar bears have an average lifespan of 15 to 18 years, but bears in captivity can experience a lifespan of up to 30 years.

TagsWorld's Saddest Polar Bear, argentina polar bear, arturo polar bear