Pioneering director of Novosibirsk Zoo died age 75 following medical treatment in Israel.
Thousands had joined petition to stop Shilka the cub being exiled to the other side of the world but she could be gone by end of the month.
Shilka became a global star last year in her pen in Novosibirsk but now she is set to be big in Japan after bid to keep her in Russia fails.
With more than 11,000 animals from 702 species - about 150 of them are from them World Red Book - Novosibirsk Zoo is a popular tourist attraction with almost a million visitors annually, and a noted scientific institution.
One of the largest in Russia, it boasts a world record in captive breeding programmes for endangered species.
Rostislav Shilo, Zoo’s Director since 1969, says that there are only two other self-supporting zoos in the world - in Singapore and in San Diego.
Thousands join online petition to stop famous polar bear cub being exiled to the other side of the world.
Incredible friendship between Amur tiger and goat cannot last, he predicts.
Overseas visitors to Novosibirsk Zoo will be able to learn about attractions and use GPS technology to explore using their phones.
First polar bear born at zoo in 40 years separated from heartbroken mother as she gets set for new solo life.