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Thanks to alert cuteporters, it has come to our attention that Knut the Polar Bear has passed away! He was only four years old. Cause of his death is not yet known.

We watched, loved and snorted with laughter at Knut over the years. Here are some highlights of our favorite [sniff] polar bear:

Remember his first “Wazzup, Bitches?” [snicker] paw pads pose?

Knut’s miniature baby gut and first steps were priceless:

Visitors flocked from far and wide to witness “The star of the Berlin Zoo”:

Knut quickly became known as an International Subearstar, playing the crowds. He really stepped it up for this photo. Geeshe:

His fame led to awareness for green issues, where graced the cover of Vanity Fair:

After Knut after he was abandoned by his mother, zookeeper Thomas Dorflein stayed by Knut’s side. Dorflein passed away in September 2008.

In 2009, Knut was introduced to Gianna, an Italian girl intended to become Knut’s mate. The first day they shared an enclosure, Gianna slapped Knut, but they got along peacefully after that.

Earlier this year, Knut’s lavish 4th birthday was attended by 250 people who sang to him as he gobbled up cake:

But this video and soundtrack captured everyone’s heart:

Top image by MSNBC. Knut with paw up by Yahoo and Reuters Berlin Zoo image klein Knut, little icebear baby knut by ~babsy~.Vanity Fair images by Annie Leibowitz. Knut turns four by The Telegraph.