Thomas Dörflein facts for kids
Thomas Dörflein (born October 13, 1963 – died September 22, 2008) was a German zookeeper. He worked at the Berlin Zoological Garden for 26 years. He became famous for taking care of a baby polar bear named Knut. Knut's mother had left him shortly after he was born in 2006. Dörflein, who usually looked after wolves and bears, was chosen to raise the cub by hand. Their close bond made Dörflein a well-known figure, even though he didn't seek fame.
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Thomas Dörflein's Early Life and Zoo Work
Thomas Dörflein was born in Berlin's Wedding area. He grew up in the Spandau district of the city. He trained for three years to become a zookeeper. After his training, he started working at the Berlin Zoo. At first, he was in charge of apes, predators, and animals that live on cliffs. In 1987, he began taking care of the bears and wolves.
Knut the Polar Bear and Their Special Bond
On December 5, 2006, a baby polar bear named Knut was found. He was rushed to the Berlin Zoo for care. Knut and his brother had been left by their mother for unknown reasons. Zookeepers rescued the cubs using a long fishing net. Sadly, Knut's brother died from an infection a few days later. Knut was very tiny, only the size of a guinea pig. He spent his first 44 days in an incubator. After that, Thomas Dörflein began raising the cub.
Knut needed care around the clock. This meant Dörflein had to sleep on a mattress next to Knut's sleeping crate at night. He also played with, bathed, and fed the cub every day. Knut's first food was baby formula mixed with cod liver oil, given every two hours. By four months old, he was eating milk porridge mixed with cat food and vitamins. Dörflein also went with Knut to his public shows twice a day. These shows lasted for an hour. Because of this, Dörflein appeared in many videos and photos with Knut. He became a minor celebrity in Germany. He received fan mail and even marriage proposals. This sudden fame made him uncomfortable. He once said, "It's very strange to me."
In October 2007, Dörflein received Berlin's Medal of Merit. This award honored his constant care for Knut. A few months before this, Knut and Dörflein's daily shows had stopped. Knut had grown too big for Dörflein to safely be with him in the enclosure. As Knut got closer to his first birthday, his zookeeper was no longer allowed to have physical contact with the bear.
Thomas Dörflein's Passing and Legacy
Thomas Dörflein died suddenly in Berlin on September 22, 2008. He was 44 years old. He passed away from a heart attack. Dörflein had been sick for some time. He had recently taken time off work after being diagnosed with bladder cancer. Reports said that he was getting better from the cancer. He left behind a stepdaughter, a son, his girlfriend, and her young son.
The Berlin newspaper B.Z. wrote about Dörflein. They said, "Everyone wanted to be like him... he not only cared for Knut; he nurtured our desire to see harmony between man and beast." The Berlin Zoo, where Dörflein worked for 26 years, released a statement. They called his death tragic and a "great loss." The group Friends of the Berlin Zoo also shared their sadness. They said, "With the passing of Thomas Dörflein, the zoo has lost a highly dedicated zookeeper who had great passion for his job and his calling." They also noted how Dörflein helped make Berlin a "sensational attraction" with the polar bear cub. Zoo biologist Heiner Klös added, "I am shocked by the passing of my best zookeeper, a man who gave his all for his animals."
In January 2009, Dörflein received an award from B.Z. after his death. This award honored him for bringing joy to Berlin through his bond with Knut. The zoo also created a special prize for excellent zookeepers in Dörflein's honor. The first Thomas Dörflein Prize was given in June 2009. It included a trophy and a €1,000 cash prize. Knut died later, on March 19, 2011, at the age of four. He collapsed in his enclosure. On December 5, 2011, a memorial for Knut was unveiled near Dörflein's grave in Spandau. This was on what would have been Knut's fifth birthday.
See also
In Spanish: Thomas Dörflein para niños
