The Most Famous Polar Bear, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the polar bear you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 6, 2024 07:13

Determining the most beloved or well-known polar bear can be an intriguing task, considering how these majestic creatures have captured the interest of many around the globe through various means. Whether featured in documentaries, as mascots, or in zoos, each polar bear has a unique story that may appeal differently to various audiences. By casting a vote on your favorite polar bear, you contribute to a collective assessment that highlights which of these animals stand out the most in the public eye. This dynamic and interactive process not only fosters a community of enthusiasts but also provides a clearer picture of the polar bear that resonates the most with people worldwide.

Who Is the Most Famous Polar Bear?

1

62
votes

Knut

Knut was a polar bear born in captivity at the Berlin Zoological Garden. He gained international fame for being hand-raised by his keepers after his mother rejected him. Knut became a media sensation and was visited by millions of people. He died in 2011.
2

39
votes

Nanuq

Nanuq was a polar bear who lived at the Detroit Zoo. He was used in a Coca-Cola advertising campaign and was featured in the movie "Batman Returns." He died in 2008.
3

16
votes

Siku

Siku was a polar bear born in captivity at the Scandinavian Wildlife Park in Denmark. He became famous for his cute appearance and playful behavior, which was captured on camera and shared on social media. He died in 2019.
4

17
votes
Aurora

Aurora was a polar bear who lived at the Winnipeg Zoo. She gained international attention for her ability to play hockey. She died in 2013.
The Aurora is a sophisticated military aircraft known for its breathtaking beauty and advanced capabilities. It is a stealthy, high-altitude, long-endurance reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft.

First flight: 1988

Wingspan: 41.3 m (135 ft 6 in)

Length: 21.2 m (69 ft 8 in)

Height: 5.6 m (18 ft 6 in)

Maximum Speed: Mach 0.85 (647 mph)
5

21
votes
Churchill

Churchill was a polar bear who lived at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Canada. He was famous for his appearances in the BBC series "Polar Bear Family and Me." He died in 2018.
The Churchill is a cigar size that is highly regarded for its elegance and complexity. It is a larger format cigar, known for its generous size and extended smoking time. The Churchill name comes from the prominent British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, who was famously seen smoking cigars of this size during World War II.

Length: 6.875 inches

Ring Gauge: 47

Shape: Parejo

Origin: Cuba

Wrapper: Various options are available, including Connecticut shade, Ecuadorian, and Cuban-seed wrappers.
6

9
votes
Gus

Gus was a polar bear who lived at the Central Park Zoo in New York City. He became famous for his unusual behavior, which included swimming in circles for hours. He died in 2013.
The Gus is a popular shape of cowboy hat known for its distinctive wide brim and tapered crown. It is often made from high-quality felt or straw materials and can be found in various colors and embellishments. The Gus hat provides excellent protection from the sun, making it suitable for long hours outdoors. Its classic and timeless design has made it a beloved choice among cowboys and Western enthusiasts alike.

Brim width: Approximately 4 inches

Crown height: Approximately 4.5 inches

Material: High-quality felt or straw

Colors: Available in various colors

Embellishments: May feature decorative hatbands or conchos
7

10
votes

Tatqiq

Tatqiq is a polar bear who currently lives at the San Diego Zoo. She gained fame for her playful behavior and was featured on the Animal Planet series "Growing Up Polar Bear."
8

10
votes

Qannik

Qannik was a polar bear who lived at the Louisville Zoo. She gained national attention for being the first polar bear born in captivity in the United States in 14 years. She died in 2011.
9

12
votes
Snowflake

Snowflake was a polar bear who lived at the Barcelona Zoo. He gained fame for being the only known case of an albino polar bear. He died in 2016.
The Snowflake ornament is a delicate and intricate decoration commonly used to top off Christmas trees. It represents the beauty of winter and adds a touch of elegance to the tree. The ornament is typically made of metal or glass and features a symmetrical design resembling a snowflake. Its intricate patterns and sparkling appearance make it a popular choice for tree toppers.

Material: Metal or glass

Design: Symmetrical snowflake

Size: Varies, typically around 6-8 inches in diameter

Color: Clear or silver, sometimes embellished with glitter or gems

Weight: Lightweight
10

9
votes
Ursula

Ursula was a polar bear who lived at the Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg, Germany. She gained fame for her ability to paint and was featured in a documentary about animal art. She died in 2019.
Ursula is a fictional character and one of the most iconic Disney villains. She first appeared in the animated film 'The Little Mermaid' released in 1989. Ursula is a sea witch who seeks to gain control over the underwater kingdom and will stop at nothing to achieve her sinister goals. She is known for her distinctive appearance, with her pale lavender skin, white hair, and octopus-like tentacles for lower body parts. Ursula is widely regarded as one of the most beautifully designed villains in animation history.

Film debut: The Little Mermaid (1989)

Occupation: Sea witch

Goal: Gaining control over the underwater kingdom

Appearance: Pale lavender skin, white hair, and octopus-like tentacles

Personality: Manipulative, cunning, and power-hungry

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Ranking factors for famous polar bear

Popularity

Consider the level of recognition and public awareness for a particular polar bear. This could be based on their presence in media, such as documentaries, movies, or advertisements.
Conservation Impact

Assess the polar bear's contribution to raising awareness about the conservation needs and threats faced by polar bear populations. This could involve their involvement in research programs, advocacy work, or serving as an ambassador species to promote conservation initiatives.
Achievements

Evaluate any notable accomplishments or records set by a polar bear. For example, if a polar bear has broken records for the longest distance swum or the greatest number of successful offspring, it could be considered a factor.
Scientific Significance

Consider the polar bear's contribution to scientific research and understanding of the species. Factors like being part of important studies or being involved in groundbreaking discoveries could add to their fame.
Historical Importance

Take into account the significance of a polar bear in terms of history or polar exploration. If a polar bear is associated with famous expeditions or explorers, it could enhance their fame.
Social Media Presence

Assess the polar bear's popularity and reach on social media platforms. If a polar bear has a large following or is frequently mentioned and shared online, it could be an indication of their fame in current times.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous polar bear. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or bear is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1927 views
200 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each bear once every 24 hours. The rank of each bear is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous polar bear

Polar bears are one of the most fascinating animals in the world, known for their incredible strength, beauty, and resilience. These magnificent creatures are native to the Arctic and are the largest land predator on the planet. While there are many polar bears that have captured the world's attention, there is one that stands out as the most famous of all. This polar bear has been the subject of countless documentaries, books, and even a Hollywood movie. Who is it? Stay tuned to find out.