5.9.2026 – Photos by Doris and Jessie Webb
I guess many of the readers of this Magazine remember Doris and Jessie Webb from the ‘Knut aera’. They are no longer with us but they left a wonderful inheritance – their photos of our beloved magic polar bear. This time I want to show you a little selection of them.
Knut and his jute sack were world famous.
He found many ways to entertain himself with the sack.
Our dear waiter
All kinds of toys were appreciated and Knut had lots of fun with them.
Knut could be a bear clown, too.
Another kind of napping place
Knut loved to interact with his fans and, naturally, the fans were delighted!
What happy times they were. Now we can only remember those times but what fantastic memories we have!
Once again I want to thank this lovely bear for bringing so much light and brightness in our life. The memories still brighten up our days.
Dear Mervi,
Thank you for these memories. Both Jesse and Doris had a good camera eye. Sometimes I cannot believe that the golden age of Knuti really happened! I cherish all our wonderful get togethers and adventures and precious memories.
xo k-j
Dear Mervi!
Thank you for the wonderful pictures of Knut. It was a great time.
Hugs
Ludmila
Dear Mervi,
Thanks so much for these lovely memories!
Christine
Dear Mervi,
unfortunately, many of the ladies who were once known as the ‘court reporters’ – or ‘photo ladies’ – have now passed away, but their wonderful photographs have been preserved.
The photo series of Knut with his beloved jute sack are undoubtedly among the most touching images and, with their countless variations, also among the most creative play scenes. Whether as a headdress, a decoration or simply something to cuddle, Knut’s imagination knew no bounds.
In fact, there was hardly a single item he played with that didn’t receive his full devotion and patience. The absolute highlight was undoubtedly his ball game with visitors at his enclosure and the days he spent playing with the little tortoise, which eventually had to be rescued from his boundless playfulness.
His interactions with the children at the window also demonstrated his willingness to communicate with visitors!
Thank you very much for your beautiful albums here.
Britta-Gudrun
It’s hard to believe that he would have turned 20 in December had he not died from this undiagnosed viral illness.
But here in your wonderful blog, dear Mervi, he lives on and remains unforgettable!
Vielen Dank für die so schönen Erinnerungsfotos an ” die goldene Zeit mit Knut”,die aus dem Nachlass von Doris und Jessie Webb stammen.
Den beiden bin ich desöfteren im Zoo begegnet, wenn ich Knut besucht habe und wir haben uns gerne über ihn ausgetauscht…
Er war und bleibt ein ganz Besonderer unter den Eisbären!! Die Fotos von Doris und Jessie zeigen es….🐻❄️💝
Dear Mervi!
Thank you for these lovely memories!
Over the course of Knut’s four years, Doris and Jessie took thousands of photos of him, from the adorable polar bear cub to the fully-grown male bear. The selection of pictures they’ve shared with us clearly shows just how much love they had for him.
It really is hard to believe that this story began almost twenty years ago and yet remains so vivid in our minds.
Thank you for these precious reminiscences!
Hugs
Anke
Es ist schön, dass es diese Bilder noch gibt, auch wenn sowohl die gezeigten
Persönlichkeiten, als auch die Fotografen(innen) bereits verstorben sind.
Knut war ein Unikum und es ist kaum zu glauben, dass er im kommenden
Dezember seinen 20.Geburtstag feiern würde… 🙁
Thank you Mervi. Knut was definitely one of a kind. He brought people together and some much needed lightness into our lives. ♥️ Wendy