Celebrity polar bear's 1st birthday draws crowds to Berlin Zoo

[AlGore-08.com]

Source: Candian Broadcasting Corporation

Thousands of people flocked to the Berlin Zoo Wednesday to mark the first birthday of Knut, the polar bear who captivated Germany and spawned books, television shows and trinkets.

The zoo, which pulled out all the stops to celebrate, allowed children in free and sold slices of a giant marzipan birthday cake, giving proceeds to the zoo's foundation.

(snip)

Knut, who has generated more than $14 million for the zoo from increased visitors, toys, books and other trinkets, could be spending his final days at the Berlin Zoo. Officials there want him to mate, but will likely have to move him because the females at Berlin's two zoos are considered too old.

(snip)

Knut will likely have new half-siblings in the new year, however, as his father has mated with the three females at the zoo.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/12/05/knut-birthday.html

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"Knut is pictured on March 23 (L) and in August (R). Photos / Reuters"


"Knut nibbles on a wooden candle on his birthday cake at the Berlin Zoo on Wednesday. Berlin's famous polar bear was rejected by his mother but went on to win the hearts of millions around the globe.
(Miguel Villagran/Associated Press)"

[Olney Blue]

1. He's a big boy now!

[Maat]

2. Funny - that's what went through my head!

What a beautiful bear, though!

[Olney Blue]

3. Yes, I was a bit confused about his coat- and then the article said that

he likes to roll around in the dirt- hence the brown color. He really is beautiful!

[Maat]

4. I hope that he is a daddy bear one day ..

he is beautiful.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

5. "Get a haircut, you hippy."

Re: the August picture. Why was the coat so thick in August?

I agree that this is an example of charismatic megafauna.

[AlGore-08.com]

7. Charismatic is right

Some more photos from the Berlin Zoo website.


Knut "reads" a book about himself. Roughly translated, the title is "Knut, the little polar bear cub".


While he was being hand raised - - Knut sleeping in the arms of his keeper, Berlin zoo employee Thomas Doerflein.


Knut as a new born cub.

From the Guardian:
http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/news/gallery/2007/dec/04/photography.wildlife/GD5528374@Berlin,-GERMANY-FILES-742.jpg
Knut plays with his keeper's foot.

[emilyg]

8. Aww - I'm in love.

[Sultana]

6. ...

They grow up so fast.

A absolutely beautiful creature:-)