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A lonely polar bear kept in sweltering conditions has found friendship at last – with a stray cat.

Thousands of animal lovers joined a campaign to move Arturo after the Sunday People revealed in July he was living in a zoo where the ­temperature reaches 40C (104F).

The 900lb captive, whose bear companion died two years ago, has only a 50cm (20in) deep pool, has ­become a father-figure to Oscar.

The pair keep each other ­company during the day, cuddle up at night and even share food.

Campaigners hope the orphaned stray may help 29-year-old Arturo as experts fear loneliness was making him depressed.

A source said: “Arturo and Oscar have become firm friends.

“Oscar calls Arturo’s cage home and they are living together and keeping each other company without any problems.

"Their friendship is quite surreal.”

Despite this, ­campaigners still want Arturo moved from his concrete ­enclosure in Mendoza Zoo, Argentina.