London Zoo houses a bronze sculpture depicting a First World War officer alongside a bear, commemorating the real animal that inspired one of children’s literature’s most beloved characters.
The tales of Winnie-the-Pooh originated from Winnipeg, a Canadian black bear cub acquired by Lieutenant Harry Colebourn in 1914.
The Canadian veterinary officer purchased the young bear from a hunter in Ontario following the animal’s mother’s death.
He designated her with the name of his Canadian hometown and transported her to Salisbury Plain, where she served as an unofficial regimental mascot.
When his military unit received deployment orders to France, he entrusted the bear to London Zoo for her protection.
The bear rapidly became a favourite among visitors to the Regent’s Park institution.
Young Christopher Robin Milne, son of author A.A.
Milne, developed a particular fondness for the animal during visits.
His attachment proved so significant that he adopted the bear’s name for his own toy, consequently inspiring his father to create the enduring stories chronicling the adventures of his son’s collection of toys.
The bear remained at London Zoo following the conclusion of the war.
Lieutenant Colebourn, who survived the conflict and achieved the rank of Major, returned to his veterinary practice in Winnipeg in 1920.
He elected to leave the bear at the zoological gardens permanently, enabling her to continue delighting visitors and serving as an inspiration to countless children.
A permanent statue at the zoo commemorates this remarkable partnership between officer and animal.
One century after the initial publication of the Winnie-the-Pooh collection, the bear’s remarkable history forms the centrepiece of a fresh family activity at London Zoo.
The attraction commemorates the centenary of the first Winnie-the-Pooh volume alongside the release of a new publication titled A Little Boy and His Bear, composed to honour the original stories’ enduring appeal.
The attraction additionally marks the bicentenary of the Zoological Society of London.
An adventure trail titled A Little Boy and His Bear operates from October 2 to November 1, 2026, inviting guests to retrace the nocturnal expedition undertaken by Winnie-the-Pooh and his companion Eeyore throughout the zoological park.
The trail draws inspiration from a recently released HarperCollins volume penned by Jane Riordan in the manner of A.A.
Milne to observe the fictional character’s one hundredth anniversary.
The route commences at the historic Mappin Terraces, alternatively referred to as Bear Mountain, where animal keepers share the authentic account of the bear’s history with families.
Participants obtain a chart directing them through the park as the narrative materialises via expansive visual installations.
Younger visitors compile their own thematic journals throughout the experience while observing species including pygmy hippos, zebras, and bushbabies.
They accumulate stamps and exclusive items to enhance their journals and fashion an original bedtime melody in the manner of the story’s protagonist.
The activity, available without supplementary charge beyond standard zoo admission, concludes at Penguin Beach where children obtain a commemorative Pooh badge.