The world-famous polar bear Knut died at the age of 4 on March 19 in his enclosure. He collapsed in front of hundreds of shocked visitors.
According to witnesses, the left leg of Knut began shaking, he walked around in circles and fell in the water.
Knut gained world attention after he and his brother were rejected by their mother at birth for unknown reasons. They were both born on December 5, 2006. Four days later Knut’s brother died because of infection leaving behind Knut alone in this world.
Knut spent 44 days in an incubator. His miraculous survival gained world media attention. Zoo keeper Thomas Dörflein raised Knut and became a father figure to the infant who needs round-the clock care during that time. Dörflein feed, play, and bathe Knut, he even sleep next to Knut like a real father, dubbing him as “Knut’s daddy.”
Knut became a star of the Berlin Zoo gaining fans worldwide. His life was featured German Vanity Fair magazine where he also appeared on the cover. He also posed with Leonardo DiCaprio on the Green Issue of Vanity fair. Knut merchandise like stuffed Knuts, key chains, postcards, and candy are bestsellers.
But on September 22, 2008 Thomas “Knut’s daddy” Dörflein died of a heart attack, he was 44 years old. Knut appeared to have suffered from depression after Dörflein died, according to some observers.
The star of the Berlin zoo who is used to attention was bullied by three female polar bears, including his own mother, according to reports.
In captivity, polar bears can live for 30 years because they are well taken care of.
Officials will conduct a post mortem to find Knut’s cause of death.
Knut Collapsed Video
