Sad news was released from Berlin yesterday, March 19, 2011.  Knut the polar bear has died at the age of four.  Witnesses reported that the after the bear’s left leg began shaking, he walked around in circles before falling into the water.  A necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

Knut made headlines when after his mother, Tosca, rejected and abandoned her two cubs following an uncomplicated pregnancy.  The keepers rescued the cubs but only Knut survived.  The other cub died four days later from an infection.

Knut was hand reared – needing around the clock care – by Thomas Dörflein.  It is amazing how something starting out so small (only the size of a guinea pig) could bring the world so much joy.  And coming from someone with similar experiences, part of that joy encompasses watching them grow.  This German treasure will be – and already is – deeply missed.  Rest peaceful, Knut.