Quirky Euro Files: Knut Fans Want Medal for Polar Bear's Human Papa
Here's a bit of fun news about the quickly-growing polar bear cub in Berlin. He's popular, and apparently so is his keeper, caregiver, and surrogate father Thomas Dörflein.
Take a look at this report:
. . . fans of Knut's keeper Thomas Dörflein have started an online petition for him to receive the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany -- the highest tribute German citizens can receive for services to the nation. The fans are encouraging Federal President Horst Köhler to give Dörflein -- who has acquired quite a following of his own since becoming the bear's surrogate father -- the award. They have even contacted Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit -- a self-confessed Knut fan -- to add his endorsement. Wowereit's response was noncommittal, though -- his office said they preferred not to comment on who might get the medals. |
The online petition is here, by the way.