In 2008 I mentioned that the keeper of Knut the polar bear had died suddenly. Some speculated his untimely demise was related to forced separation from Knut.

Doerflien had to give up playing with the bear due to Zoo administration fear for his safety. It would seem the separation was more dangerous.

Today I learned that Knut has suddenly died. RIP

Germany’s best-loved and biggest animal star, the polar bear Knut born in captivity in Berlin Zoo, has died aged four, his keeper announced Saturday.

Heiner Klös, the keeper, found the four-year-old’s body floating in the water of the pool in his enclosure.