Knut Called A “Publicity Addicted Psycho”

Knut is a polar bear who was raised by humans at the Berlin Zoo. As a cub, Knut was immensely popular. Now, no longer a cute cub, Knut is being called “an animal psychopath” and a “publicity addicted psycho”:

“…Markus Roebke said Berlin Zoo’s celebrity animal was obsessed with the limelight and howled with rage when denied an audience.

“Knut must go and the sooner the better,” he said, insisting that the bear should be sent to an animal park where he received less attention.”

link: Knut the polar bear is a ‘publicity-addicted psycho’, says keeper as he risks his job to speak out

These interpretations of Knut’s behaviour seem myopic. There are other explanations for Knut’s behaviour. Knut has been raised by humans and may be dependent upon the presence of humans for a sense of safety. The mere presence of a human may be reassuring for Knut. When Knut is alone, he may be having separation anxiety because he lacks the confidence to be apart from humans. It may not be that Knut wants to have his picture taken or wants to appear on some magazine cover.

As most dog owners will remember, pup made quite a fuss when he/she initially was left alone. There may have been whining, barking and some other misbehaviours. This was not because pup was “an animal psychopath”. Pup was simply lonely, anxious and dependent upon the presence of a human.

Poor Knut’s behaviour is being interpreted and labeled as a some form of psychopathy. And the interpretation is a ‘little bit crazy’…

Catherine Forsythe
Director of Operations
FlyingHamster: http://flyinghamster.com/

Tags: knut, polar bear, publicity, separation anxiety, humans, berlin zoo, security