In the Line of Fire: The Story of Knut

You've probably already heard about this little guy. He’s become an international celebrity almost over night.

Photographer Annie Leibovitz has even come to capture the cub in pictures.

This baby polar bear named Knut has been the center of an animal rights uproar over in Deutschland. Knut was born in the Berlin Zoo, the first in 30 years, and was rejectedby his mother at birth. His twin brother died shortyly after birth and Knut has managed to survive thanks to Thomas Dörflein, a zookeeper who has dedicated himself 24/7 to the bear. He even feeds Knut from a baby bottle.

All was peaceful at the Berlin Zoo with Dörflein and his baby...

Of course now animal activists are putting their foot down (but not too hard, don't want to kill the little bugs on the floor, they’re people too) and demanding this madness end!

According to an A.P. story on MSNBC.com, animal rights activist Frank Albrecht claimed that "Feeding by hand is not species-appropriate but a gross violation of animal protection laws," therefore "The zoo needs to kill the bear cub."

Now I’m not an animal rights activist although I do love animals the same as many do, but doesn’t this seem a bit redundant? Aren’t animal activists supposed to want to save animals? It’s true that although Knut is a little cuddle bug, he’s going to grow up to be a massive, blood thirsty predator. This caused many concern amongst animal activist and animal lovers everywhere, but why is there need to kill an innocent baby creature?

Many others agree that raising Knut with humans is a bad idea and believe that he will not be a “real” polar bear.

According to the Spiegel Online International, there have been similar cases in which a baby animal was put down at a zoo rather than be raised by humans. Many are disagreeing and saying that the baby should live and cannot be domesticated. This means he will grow up naturally as a bear, rather than a pet.

Will Knut grow up to be part of the family rather than live out in the wild? I’m not an expert but it’s doubtful. Dörflein may have to detach himself soon before Knut becomes too big.

Read more about Knut, the hoopla, and the fear of polar bear extinction at MSNBC.com

It's nice to have something else in the news rather than bald, strawberry coke snorting pop stars and boney, camera hogging heiresses.

Prepare to die of a cuteness overload, watch this funny video of Knut from Youtube. The Dallas theme is a nice touch.