January 27, 2008

NUREMBERG, Germany – The polar bear cub that was rescued by Nuremberg Zoo officials has been given a name.

The tiny female cub has been named Flocke and is said to be doing well. She weighs about seven pounds, and zoo veterinarians say she has no foreseeable health issues.

Nuremberg Zoo officials decided to save Flocke after her siblings were eaten by their mother. The bear could be seen in its enclosure picking up her cub and dropping it – indicating the animal was distressed.

Following her rescue, officials asked the world community to submit name ideas. In all, more than 25,000 names were suggested. In German, Flocke means “flake” as in snowflake.

The young bear has an international following similar to that of Knut. Knut is another polar bear who was saved from his mother about a year ago.

Zoo officials say they hope Flocke's celebrity status will help promote awareness about how global climate change is effecting natural polar bear habitats.

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