Are Polar Bears the New Penguins?

As always, I notice animals and other creatures and the attention they get. I think polar bears are usurping the pop culture stage from penguins. Here's my evidence:

* "Arctic Tale," a new documentary in theaters Aug. 17, featuring two narratives that show how difficult life is in the Arctic: the life cycle of a polar bear and her cubs, and the same thing with a walrus and her calf. Rated G. Starbucks, which is helping to market the movie, is selling stuffed polar bears and walruses.

* The Philadelphia Zoo is having Bear Awareness Days from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Satuday and Sunday (Aug. 11-12). Zoo staff and representatives from the National Wildlife Federation and Defenders of Wildlife will talk about conservation efforts, and teach little ones about polar bears and all other bears.

* Knut is the most thing in Germany since bratwurst. This little polar bear cub - who's not so little anymore - was rejected by his mother at a Berlin zoo. A few animal rights activists advocated that he should be killed; the zoo and the German public said no way, and he is being raised by zookeepers. Now, there are Knut T-shirts, mugs, keychains, stuffed animals, Web sites, videos, and a huge adoring worldwide public.

* A polar bear pops up in the middle of "The Simpsons" movie, and anything the Simpsons touch must be pop culture gold.