Thomas Doerflein, 44, Knut’s zoo keeper and surrogate father, was discovered dead. Thomas Doerflein was feared to be depressed after the zoo officials ordered Thomas Doerflein to stay away from Knut, the polar bear. Knut had grown and Thomas Doerflein’s safety was a concern whenever he was around the polar bear.

Police revealed Thomas Doerflein was ill before he was discovered dead. The post mortem was being done to determine the cause of death. Knut’s mother had rejected him and Thomas Doerflein reared him by hand. Doerflein became Knut’s surrogate father. Animal groups thought it was against the law of the survival of the fittest by had rearing a polar bear in captivity. They suggested that Knut should be destroyed. Doerflein was a father of three kids and he knew about caring for the young bear cub. Knut and Doerflein performed in the bear enclosure in the zoo in March 2007. By July, Knut had grown and the zoo’s director banned Doerflein from playing with him because safety was an issue. Sources alleged Doerflein was depressed after being separated from Knut.

Knut’s photos with Thomas Doerflein are here.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 at 8:54 pm and is filed under Animals.