Polar Bear Knut - Custody Suit?
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As you know, Cute Knut, the polar bear cub born in the Berlin Zoo 14 months, has made the zoo millions of dollars. In fact, according to the director of the zoo, Knut helped the zoo bring in over $7.6 million in 2007 alone.
There are 29 companies who use Knut’s image to sell products worldwide and the zoo has 44 licensing contracts tied to Knut to sell everything from sweets to stuffed toys.
Knut - 1 Year Old
Now, it seems that the zoo that owns Knut’s father, Lars, wants some of that money. According to the Neumunster Zoo, Lars was lent to the Berlin Zoo in 1999 to breed with the understanding that the Neumunster Zoo would get the first born. Peter Drüwa, head of the Neumunster Zoo is looking into what claims can be filled. Of course, The Berlin Zoo claims that there was never any agreement about Knut or proceeds from any marketing deals.
Lars is still at the Berlin Zoo and according to the Zoo’s director, he will be there indefinitely. When asked why Neumunster Zoo was asking for money rather than for custody of Knut, Direct Druwa replied, “He’s only a teenager. At the moment, he just wouldn’t survive.” (That’s because at the zoo, he would have to share space with adult polar bears.)
This will get even more interesting, I’m sure. I’ll keep you posted.
Bear hugs, Frankie
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P.P.S. For teddy bears and other stuffed animals, click on the picture.
P.P.P.S. If you want to know what you can do to protect polar bears and other endangered species, contact The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) at National Wildlife Federation (NWF)
