When a baby animal is born in the zoo it is a good thing. Not only because animal births in captivity are still very special, but also because it is sure to draw a lot of public and media attention to the zoo.
Especially when it concerns an animal with a high level of cuteness, like a fox, ocelot or koala bear.
Knut, the baby polar bear from the Berlin Zoo, was a full-blown merchandising hit. Posters, mugs, stuffed polar bears, as long as it had Knut on it, people bought it. The Berlin Zoo was acting smart and filed for a Community trademark registration in order to stop fake-Knut merchandise and others trying to free-ride on the Knut-mania.
But even small polar bears grow up and, consequently, lose their initial cute-factor. Earlier this year, sadly, Knut died.
Other cute baby animals here.
© photo Sussi Køber / Aalborg Zoo