Polar bear Knut's zookeeper is dead! (Sad Knut article #8)

[Kirsten]

Read the sad news last night: Thomas Doerflein, who hand-raised polar bear cub Knut in the zoo of Berlin last year, died yesterday. There's no information re. the cause of his death, but obviously he was suffering from an illness for a while.

Here are some articles:

Knut the polar bear's zookeeper found dead in Berlin


This article has many great shots of him and Knut:
Zookeeper who hand-reared Knut the polar bear found dead

Zookeeper who hand-reared Knut the polar bear is found dead

Kirsten

[Kirsten]

Well, it's on the news now that he died from a heart attack. He was only 44.

Very sad!

Kirsten

[Karen]

How sad! At least his legacy of love with live on in Knut! And his children, too, I am sure.

Rest in peace, dear sir, and I am sure large white furry angels greeted you at the Rainbow Bridge, for all the care you gave to Knut!

[Kirsten]

Rest in peace, dear sir, and I am sure large white furry angels greeted you at the Rainbow Bridge, for all the care you gave to Knut!

That is a beautiful thought, Karen.

I wonder if Knut is feeling now that something's wrong. One article said that Mr. Doerflein visited Knut on Saturday, and even though he couldn't play with Knut any longer because of Knut's size, there must have been a connection between the two of them.

And apparently people have started placing flowers and condolence cards at the fence of Knut's encloser. And even though he is used to get a lot of attention, he can probably feel the sadness of the people visiting him today...

Kirsten

[Randi]

Oh Kirsten, that is so sad, and such a shock to his family.

Rest in Peace, Thomas! You were one of a kind and will always be remembered for your wonderful care for Knut.

[elizabethann]

That is so sad. He was an awesome parent to Knut.