We fawned over him as a baby, rooted for him to find love, sympathized when he lost his caretaker, and celebrated birthdays with him. But our favorite polar bear, Knut, passed away on Saturday.
Most polar bears can live for up to 30 years in captivity, but Knut was only four when he died; zoo officials aren't yet sure what caused his death. We'll miss following his adventures, but for now, let's take a look back at some of our favorite Knut moments.
We've admired him as a baby, sympathized when his beloved caretaker passed away and giggled when he found love . . . and now he's four!
The famed polar bear named Knut got a bunch of special snacks including something baked into his big number. See him enjoy his birthday on Dec. 5 and click through the gallery.
Young romance! Knut and Giovanna have been cozily co-habitating since early this year and, from the looks of it, have quite the romantic connection, too! Since I cracked up at so many of these pics, I've created dialogue to go along with the wordless creatures. Click in to read my their thoughts. If these bears could talk...
Love is definitely in the air for this young couple! In one of the biggest headlines of 2009, the famed Knut the cute finally found love, joined by a female polar bear from Munich.
We've seen them playing separately, but a recent snowstorm in Berlin made the 3-year-old bears extra frisky as they roamed about in the snow. She's an aggressive one, too: that's Giovanna on the right, love biting Knut's ear. Rawr.
See the rest of Knut and Giovanna's lovely playtime when you read more
Over a month ago, this pretty Polar Bear made the news as the future romantic interest (hopefully) of Knut the cute. Hailing from Munich's Hellabrunn Zoo, she's now on display in Berlin and ready for her love connection.
The 2-year-old gal will explore the enclosure of the world-famous bear, but they will not meet face-to-face until special measures are implemented. Knut's never encountered another animal since his mama cast him aside as a cub. A "canoodling fence" will eventually separate them, and if the sparks are there then this duo will join forces in one spot. Sweet.
See more of Gianna learning the lay of the land when you read more
All we need is love, love as Knut the cute is getting his very own girlfriend. Check out this stunning 2-year-old polar bear, Gianna. Originally from Italy, she's currently in a zoo in Munich but will be joining Knut soon!
The famous orphaned cub lost his human BFF after suffering rejection from his beary parent, and rumors have it the big bear is now lonely and possibly depressed. Sad. Hopefully his new signorina can keep him company, frolic and play, and pose for (many, many, many) piccys. I'm already hearing the pitter patter of little bear feet — that's amore!
See more pictures when you read more
It's Time For Knut to Mate! Apparently, this requires more room than his current zoo allows. So the world's most famous polar bear might be looking for new digs.
Say it isn't so! Knut's allegedly up for grabs (or something) as there's been talk in recent months about the world's most famous polar bear needing a new home. The time's coming for him to find a mate, and there simply may not be enough room for him and a new fertile female at Zoo Berlin.
While it's still uncertain if Knut the Cute's days at his German zoo are numbered, I bet no matter where this bear goes, the cameras are sure to follow. He's just so adoro playing with toys, water, and more this season (like his Polar Bear brethren around the world).
You know you wanna see Knut sticking out his tongue and batting a deflated soccer ball so check this out and more when you read more
The fella I'd name the world's most famous polar bear (followed by Flocke) celebrates his second birthday today at Zoo Berlin! That means Knut got even more visitors than usual . . . and a special dessert. 'Cause, really, what's a birthday without cake and ice cream? Of course, bears can't eat chocolate buttercream (my fave), so his "cake" was made of vegetable in ice – well, I bet he enjoyed it anyway.
This bear's faced some tough times from dealing with fame to the death of his BFF and original caretaker, Thomas Doerflein earlier this year but he's doing a-OK now.
Check out more piccys of Knut's birthday celebration and read more
The German language has many virtues. Its sentences can be long, allowing you to ramble, there appears to be a noun for every state of being you could dream up, and you can speak and clear your throat of phlegm at the same time. But folks, "cute" is usually not how you'd describe it. Until now. Here's a cute children's ode to the adorable tyke. His original caretaker, Thomas Dorflein, recently passed away (sad!), but we can celebrate one of his major accomplishments: Knut!
Great find, DListed!
