Polar Bear Cub Flocke Makes Debut

Now about 19 kilograms (42 pounds), Flocke has been romping around in a private enclosure but will be put on public display starting Wednesday.

Zoo director Dag Encke implored people on Tuesday to use the interest in Flocke to force action on climate change, which is affecting the habitat of wild polar bears.

In that sense, Encke said at a nationally televised news conference with some 430 reporters, "Flocke is no more a polar bear, but Flocke is not a person Flocke is an obligation, or a window into an obligation," he said.

As Flocke bounded about in Nuremberg, Knut lolled about lazily in Berlin as the occasional visitor snapped a picture.

Still, it was clear that Knut retained some of the animal magnetism that made him a celebrity.

"Knut has the advantage of being a media star: He was the first," said teacher Ulrike Robel who had taken her class to see the 150 kilogram (330 pound) bear. "Flocke is sweet, but she's No. 2. I think that matters."

Detlef Untermann, spokesman for the Berlin zoo, said there's room enough for both bears.

"It's clear that people like it cute, small, cuddly and white; button eyes, button nose it's OK that way and Nuremberg can enjoy the attention of the public now," he said. "The Berlin zoo is not envious in any way, and Knut doesn't begrudge them either; he's been brought up quite well."