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Snowflake Almost Ready for Adoring Public

Posted Mar 14, 08 12:16 PM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Nuremberg’s favorite polar bear club is growing up fast and should be ready for her public debut by April, Der Spiegel reports. Little Snowflake has already passed through such coming-of-age rituals as her first bone, her first trip outdoors, and a much-needed first bath. Before the bath, Snowflake was apparently a decidedly smelly bear, keepers say.

For now, Snowflake is being kept away from a public anxiously following every detail of the cub's childhood. Her trips outside are limited to an open-air enclosure off limits to spectators. But when she debuts in April, bear fanatics will be waiting, with many flying in on special "Visit Snowflake" travel packages designed for the occasion.

Source Der Spiegel

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A polar bear cuddly toy named Flocke is presented at the booth of German manufacturer Steiff at the Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008.   (AP Photo/Eckehard Schulz)
This handout picture taken in January shows a tired little bear.   (Getty Images)
This handout picture taken Jan. 25, 2008, shows 6-week-old Snowflake.   (Getty Images)
This handout picture taken Jan. 28, 2008, shows 7-week-old Snowflake at the zoo in Nuremberg, southern Germany.   (Getty Images)
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