The Landing Stage

While bears do not often top the news agenda, there are rare occasions where they do make the spotlight and the headlines. Some of these famous bears have been surrounded by a sphere of controversy, and some of them have been the inspiration behind songs and toys. If you ask someone about their favourite bear, there is a good chance you will get a response involving the classic Winnie-the-Pooh, of whom there is plenty of books, games, toys, and other Disney memorabilia.

Brody

This was a bear that made his first television appearance at the age of 12 weeks on Good Morning America in 1995. Since then, Brody has appeared in films, television shows, commercials and other advertisements, as well as being on the cover of National Geographic in 2001.

Brumas

Brumas was the first baby polar bear in the UK to be successfully reared. She was raised in Regent’s Park Zoo in the 1950s and became a major celebrity. She was responsible for the zoo’s record attendance in 1950, but sadly died in 1958.

Hercules

Hercules was a wrestling bear who escaped from his owner in 1980 in Scotland. He later appeared on television and films, including the James Bond Octopussy.

Bart the Bear

This was a male Alaskan Kodiak brown bear who became a celebrity after appearing in numerous Hollywood films.

Little Bart the Bear

Little Bart was born in Alaska in the year 2000. Also a Kodiak, he appeared in Dr. Dolitte 2 and in television programmes CSI and Scrubs, as well as other films.

Knut

Born in 2006 at the Berlin Zoological Garden, this little polar bear grasped the attention of the media when his mother rejected him. He was put in an incubator and raised by a zoo keeper. He became a massive hit when he was presented to the public for the first time, bringing record crowds and inspiring songs. He became famous worldwide after Youtube videos displayed the little cub.

Pipaluk

This was the first male polar bear born in captivity in the UK in the 1970s, also raised at Regent