Many species of animals are in danger of becoming extinct in the 21st century. Tragically, this has happened already to a number of famous species such as the passenger pigeon and the wingless dodo bird. While overhunting was the primary reason for the disappearance of animals historically, the problem of shrinking habitat is the primary reason for extinction today. Though there is some argument about the causes of global warming, the melting of glaciers and the shrinking of the Arctic ice pack is indisputable. While many Arctic animals are in danger, the polar bear is particularly susceptible to the loss of the ice pack. In many zoos throughout the world, the polar bear exhibit is one of the most stirring and fascinating sites to view these marvelous white animals. A world-wide interest can be generated when baby polar bears are born in captivity. Such an international awareness started in the Berlin Zoo with the birth of a polar bear cub named Knut. Isabella Juliana and others tell this intriguing story in the book Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World.
Knut and his brother were born in the Berlin Zoo. Their mother, Tosca, refused to nurse the cubs after birth. In the wild this would have meant sure death for the baby polar bears. The chief bear keeper, Thomas Dorflein, made the decision to raise both cubs through bottle feeding. Unfortunately, Knut’s brother developed a fever and soon died. Dorflien built a small heated bed for the remaining cub, and slept next to him each night for next four months. Baby polar bears need to eat every two hours, so the determined zoo keeper climbed out of his sleeping bag throughout the night to attend to the hungry cub. Soon Knut began playing with Thomas on the floor, and learning to swim in his swimming pool. As the months went by Knut began to grow and grow. Interest in the polar bear grew throughout the world and T.V. crews from many countries journeyed to Berlin to see the pair. Both Thomas and Knut soon became international celebrities.
What happened as Knut grew into an adult polar bear? Could Thomas still wrestle and swim with Knut? Why were so many people interested in this story worldwide? How did Knut continue to be so popular in Germany? Are you interested in polar bears? Have you ever walked in a deep snow? Would you like to pet Knut? To find the answers to these questions, go to the library and checkout this very interesting book, Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World.
Knut’s life became a popular international story in 2007. Many people could identify with Thomas Dorflien’s diligent efforts to raise Knut. Baby polar bears are beautiful to look at, and Knut is no exception. Knut’s playful nature was captivating to the public as he wrestled with balls, rolled in the sand and went swimming. The writing and photos in this book are very well done, and the pictures of the baby Knut are endearing. I hope you go to the library and checkout this fine title. You and all your family will take pleasure in Knut’s story. Enjoy!
