The Polar Bear Knut 2006–2011

As a cute cub, the German polar bear Knut became a media phenomenon in 2007. Knut’s popularity generated toys, films, books, and stamps (like the one from Germany seen above). Earlier this afternoon, Knut died alone in his compound at the Berlin Zoo. “It’s terrible,” Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit says in a comment. “He had a special place in all of our hearts. He was the star of Berlin Zoo.”