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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Knut Needed Hug: Zoo Intruder

Unidentified man scales wall to get closer to polar bear in Berlin

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(Newser) – A German man says he climbed over a Berlin Zoo barrier today because the polar bear needed a hug, Bloomberg reports. The unidentified man, 37, apparently believed the animal—which drew 3.2 million visitors last year—was lonely. “He wanted to keep Knut company,” police said. Knut, abandoned as a cub, was once offered a movie deal and graced the cover of Vanity Fair.

The intruder was arrested, charged with disturbing the peace, and released. “It was very dangerous for him, but also dangerous for the animal,” a zoo official said. Neither the bear nor his visitor was injured.

The Berlin Zoo's baby bear Knut was the German capital's hottest celebrity in March 2007 at the tender age of 16 weeks.
The Berlin Zoo's baby bear Knut was the German capital's hottest celebrity in March 2007 at the tender age of 16 weeks.   (AP Photo)
In this 2007 picture, Knut has its first public appearance in the Berlin Zoo accompanied by zookeeper Thomas Doerflein.
In this 2007 picture, Knut has its first public appearance in the Berlin Zoo accompanied by zookeeper Thomas Doerflein.   (AP Photo/Herbert Knosowski, file)
A white rose is placed near the enclosure of polar bear Knut in Berlin on Sept. 23, 2008. Knut's zookeeper Thomas Doerflein was found dead in his Berlin apartment the day before.
A white rose is placed near the enclosure of polar bear Knut in Berlin on Sept. 23, 2008. Knut's zookeeper Thomas Doerflein was found dead in his Berlin apartment the day before.   (AP Photo/Miguel Villagran)
Polar bear Knut and keeper Ronny Henkel play at the Zoo in Berlin in 2007, when the zoo ended Knut's daily public appearances with keepers, due to concerns about Knut growing too big and dangerous.
Polar bear Knut and keeper Ronny Henkel play at the Zoo in Berlin in 2007, when the zoo ended Knut's daily public appearances with keepers, due to concerns about Knut growing too big and dangerous.   (AP Photo)
Polar bear Knut sniffs at his birthday presents in the zoo in Berlin on Dec. 5, 2008. The bear turned two looking nothing like the ball of white fluff who once captured hearts around the world.
Polar bear Knut sniffs at his birthday presents in the zoo in Berlin on Dec. 5, 2008. The bear turned two looking nothing like the ball of white fluff who once captured hearts around the world.   (AP Photo/Miguel Villagran)
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