Spiegel online today has two pieces on the fate of animals in our day and age. The first one is about an upcoming Swiss referendum that would entitle animals to state-appointed legal representation. At least one animal must be hoping that something like this is quickly passed in Germany too. According to the second story, Knut, the polar bear cub that was abandoned by his mother and became a media-star, is now an adult and has become interested in a female polar bear which, it turns out, shares a grandfather with Knut. Because of the risk of inbreeding, PETAs German office is demanding that Knut be castrated. Perhaps he can be shipped to Switzerland.