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Celebrity bear Knut dies suddenly at the Berlin Zoo
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March 20, 2011
Original URL: http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Celebrity_bear_Knut_dies_suddenly_at_the_Berlin_Zoo



 celebrity   named  died suddenly in his compound at the Berlin Zoo
yesterday. No immediate cause of death was given. Knut has been featured
on magazine covers, merchandise, and doubled the attendance at the zoo,
according to Zoo officials. 

One of the bear keepers at the zoo, Heiner Kloes, said: "It was a
completely normal day. He was with the female bears before, who had just
been shut away. Then Knut strolled around the enclosure, went into the
water, had a short spasm and died."

Knut was four years old. In the wild polar bears have a life expectancy
of between 15 and 20 years, while in captivity they can live longer. An
autopsy is expected to be performed.  

Knut was born in captivity and was raised by humans after his mother
rejected him. He first drew attention when caregiver, , temporarily
lived at  the zoo to be able to give the cub his bottle every two hours.
Knut made daily public appearances in which his caregiver cuddled and
played with the cub to the pleasure of thousands of visitors. Around the
world fan clubs formed, including in the United States, Japan, and
Germany. Fans were interested in all aspects of his life, including his
battle with gaining weight and plans to relocate to a different zoo.

Famed photographer  shot a 2007  cover featuring Knut with actor . Knut
was a money maker for the Berlin Zoo  through the sales of various
merchandise including photos, key chains, food items, and stuffed
likenesses.

Berlin Mayor  called the death of Knut "awful".   

  

== Sources == 

* http://news.scotsman.com/world/World39s-favourite-polar-bear-dies.6737177.jp
* http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110319/ap_on_en_ot/eu_germany_knut_death



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