Thomas Dörflein
German zookeeper with polar bear fame
German zookeeper with polar bear fame
1963
63 years ago
Artists & Creatives
Germany
Worked as a zookeeper at the Berlin Zoo, caring for various animals. Gained international recognition for raising a polar bear cub named Knut after its mother rejected it in 2006. Created programs for public engagement and education about wildlife. Provided round-the-clock care for the cub, which drew significant attention and led to broader discussions about animal welfare in captivity. Knut became a global sensation and was featured in numerous media outlets, significantly raising awareness about polar bears and zoo preservation.
Raised polar bear cub Knut at Berlin Zoo
Increased public interest in animal welfare
Born in Florence, a prominent painter during the Italian Renaissance, specialized in Mannerist style. Received training under prominent artists like Giorgio Vasari. Created highly detailed works that featured complex compositions and characterizations. Gained recognition for portraits that captured the essence of the subjects. Contributed to the decoration of various churches and palaces in Florence.
Continue ReadingContributions included groundbreaking research in the field of visual processing. Studied the visual cortex and its role in the perception of stimuli. Collaborated with Torsten Wiesel, leading to significant insights in how visual information is processed in the brain. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1981 for discoveries concerning information processing in the visual system. Authored numerous influential publications that shaped the field of neuroscience.
Continue ReadingEnglish musician and singer gained recognition as part of the duo Chas & Dave, which formed in the 1970s. The group specialized in a unique blend of rock and pub sing-along music, often incorporating elements of British culture into their songs. Alongside a successful music career, the duo contributed to the British music scene with their distinctive style and humor. Chas Hodges also played piano and contributed to songwriting, enhancing the duo's appeal with catchy tunes and memorable lyrics. The duo released several albums, with their hit 'Gertcha' becoming one of their signature songs, and gained a loyal fan base over the decades.
Continue ReadingServed as a soldier in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Participated in the Siege of Boston and later became a spy for General George Washington. Captured by British forces while on a mission in New York City, Hale was executed for espionage. His famous last words, 'I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,' have become emblematic of American patriotism.
Continue ReadingAn English author and critic, gained prominence through historical novels. The 'Wolf Hall' trilogy, which includes 'Wolf Hall', 'Bring Up the Bodies', and 'The Mirror and the Light', portrayed the life of Thomas Cromwell in the Tudor court. Received numerous awards for literary work, including the Booker Prize twice, for 'Wolf Hall' in 2009 and 'Bring Up the Bodies' in 2012. Also published memoirs and essays, exploring various subjects.
Continue ReadingServed as South African Minister of Environmental Affairs from 2014 to 2018. Contributed to environmental policy development and played a significant role in sustainable development initiatives. Prioritized wildlife conservation and climate change issues during tenure. Was also active in provincial politics, particularly in the North West province.
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