polar bears

A polar bear — who appears to be very, very sleepy — spreads out over his grassy habitat at a zoo in Hanover (near Amsterdam) this week. The zoo has opened a new themed area Yukon Bay, which is one of a series of "worlds" filled with animals from all over the globe.

Need another darling picture of two friendly polar bears, who appear to have a little more energy? Check it after the jump.

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

With all the talk of Knut and his Italian mate, Gianna, it seems the world had nearly forgotten about that other totally adorable (maybe even more so?) polar bear. That is, until now.

Nuremberg Zoo's Flocke, who turns two this December, departs Deutschland for France come early 2010. Along with Rasputin, the young male bear pal who joined her last year, they move to a zoo in Antibes so their old space in Germany can hold future bears. Don't worry about this matchup, the two bears "get along famously" already.

See more pics of Flocke 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

I am all about polar bears (obviously), but I'm not sure how I'd feel about shoving this nearly four foot tall Polar Bear Book Shelf I found on Outblush into my apartment. Although come to think of it, it would be about the size of a baby Knut, would it not? Humm — like having my very own baby polar be . . . ah who am I kidding.

Designed by iBride (pronounced e-breed), they are a family based firm out of France that whips up environmentally focused art and design that features animals of all kinds. But, even if this polar bear bookshelf did scream "Must Have", I couldn't bring myself to add it to the list. It's $6000 dollars. Yup, that's three zeros. It sure is cool though, right?