For the past two decades, Arturo the polar bear has been kept in captivity, housed in a steamy, cramped and dingy Argentinian zoo enclosure.

Arturo's once thick snow-white fur is capable of keeping him insulated at -100 degrees, and trouble arises when the Argentinian climate gets up to +100 degrees, which causes that thick fur to act as a sauna.

Given the condition of the polar bear, Arturo's been in a state of depression as of late, and it has begun to attract media attention from all over the world.

Change.org, Greenpeace, celebrities and even politicians have weighed in on the Argentinian government to transfer the bear to a more ideal habitat. Arturo is the only polar bear in Argentina.

Arturo's enclosure features a 20-inch deep pool, while in Winnipeg, Canada, the proposed transfer site, Arturo would have a 60-foot deep pool with ideal temperatures meant to mimic his natural climate.        

The situation has become so dire that Change.org has amassed more than 600,000 signatures on a petition to force the transfer of Arturo.

"We plead that you intervene on this issue and ask the officials in Mendoza who have the polar bear Arturo prisoner to accept Arturo's transfer to the reserve so he can live in suitable conditions," the petition reads.

Former presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has voiced his opinion about Arturo over Facebook.

"If you love animals the way I do, please sign the petition to help the Argentinian polar bear, Arturo. His current living situation is very sad, and he deserves to be saved," said Gingrich.

Despite the growing support for transferring Arturo to Canada, Argentinian zoo officials are sticking to their claims that Arturo belongs in Argentina.

"Arturo is close to his caretakers. We just want everyone to stop bothering the bear," zoo director Gustavo Pronotto said. "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.'

Greenpeace is arguing that although the transfer could jeopardize Arturo's life, it's a better choice than the current conditions in Argentina. Arturo's long time polar bear partner died in 2012 when a heat wave struck.

The Internet and social media sites have been key at spreading the word about inhumane acts against animals in zoos.

As the petition gains more support, there is hope that the Argentinian government will be forced to intervene.