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Knut's Surrogate Dad Dead at 44

Police doubt foul play in death of Dörflein, long ill

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 22, 2008 3:09 PM CDT

(Newser) – Thomas Dörflein, the Berlin zookeeper who raised polar bear Knut after his mother rejected him, was found dead in his apartment today, Der Spiegel reports. He was 44. Authorities said there was no evidence of foul play; Dörflein had been very sick. The keeper’s contact with Knut was cut off almost a year ago when the cub became too big to safely play with.

Dörflein is survived by his partner and three children. He stepped in and took over care for Knut in late 2006, and spent many weeks in a cage with the cub. The two seemed to have a special bond, and became international celebrities together. Dörflein was given an award for his surrogacy last year. Police say an investigation is ongoing.

Knut, all grown up in a recent photo. (AP Photo)

Knut, the polar bear cub, plays with his keeper Thomas Dörflein. (AP Photo)

Doerflein and Knut in 2007. (AP Photo)

Keeper Thomas Dörflein, right, plays with polar bear cub Knut in his outdoor enclosure in the Berlin Zoo. (AP Photo)

Knut, Doerflein, and a book about Knut. (AP Photo)

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Knut's Surrogate Dad Dead at 44

Police doubt foul play in death of Dörflein, long ill

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Knut's Zoo Loses 2nd Animal

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Famous polar bear will go to Berlin museum

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Beloved polar bear had been a world sensation

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Knut's Surrogate Dad Dead at 44

Police doubt foul play in death of Dörflein, long ill

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Knut • Berlin Zoo • obituary • polar bear • zookeeper • surrogates • Thomas Dorflein

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Knut's Zoo Loses 2nd Animal

Six-year-old elephant Shaina Pali dies unexpectedly

Final Verdict: Knut Drowned

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

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

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