Zoo Will Let Polar Cubs Die, Rather Than Raise by Hand

Nuremburg doesn't want 'Knutomania'

By Dustin Lushing, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 6, 2008 6:06 PM CST

(Newser) – Officials at a Nuremburg zoo have vowed not to rescue the cubs of two polar bears who gave birth about a month ago, even though one is showing signs of disinterest in her offspring, leaving them to cry plaintively for long periods of time. Zoo officials say they don't want to replicate "Knutomania"—the public obsession with Berlin's celebrity polar bear orphan, reports Der Spiegel, and will let the cubs die rather than intervene.

"If something goes wrong, it goes wrong," said the zoo's deputy director. "If you don't let the mothers practice, they'll never learn how to bring up their cubs." Knut, who was hand-reared by zookeepers after being abandoned by its aging mother, is about to become the subject of an animated movie.

US heiress Paris Hilton holds toy polar bear Knut, named after the polar bear in Berlin Zoo, during a promotional event in Berlin on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007. As opposed to Knut's celebrity, Nuremburg... (Associated Press)

A combo of two photos showing, left, the Polar bear Knut, at his first public appearance on March 23, 2007, and right, his first birthday in the Berlin Zoo, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007. Knut, Berlin's famous... (Associated Press)

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Zoo Will Let Polar Cubs Die, Rather Than Raise by Hand

Nuremburg doesn't want 'Knutomania'

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Knut's Zoo Loses 2nd Animal

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Knut to Be Stuffed, Displayed

Famous polar bear will go to Berlin museum

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Knut's Zoo Loses 2nd Animal

Six-year-old elephant Shaina Pali dies unexpectedly

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Cause of the brain swelling not known, says pathologist

Knut to Be Stuffed, Displayed

Famous polar bear will go to Berlin museum

Brain Problems Killed Knut

Berlin Zoo says he was otherwise fine

Polar Bear Knut Is Dead

Beloved polar bear had been a world sensation

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