Winnie the Pooh, the beloved bear from A. A. Milne’s classic children’s books, was inspired by a real-life bear named Winnipeg, or Winnie for short, who lived at the London Zoo from 1915 to 1934. This comprehensive guide will take you through the history, statues, and practical information about visiting the London Zoo to see the origins of this iconic character.
The History of Winnie the Pooh at the London Zoo
Winnie, a female black bear, was rescued by cavalry veterinarian Harry Colebourn in White River, Ontario, in 1914. Colebourn named the bear after his hometown of Winnipeg and brought her with him to England, where she became the mascot of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade during World War I. When the brigade was sent to France, Colebourn left Winnie in the care of the London Zoo, ultimately deciding to donate her permanently in 1919.
Winnie quickly became one of the most popular animals at the London Zoo, particularly among children. Among her many regular visitors were A. A. Milne and his young son, Christopher Robin Milne. Christopher Robin was such a fan of Winnie that he renamed his teddy bear Winnie, and when his father began to write stories featuring Christopher Robin’s stuffed toys, he used the name Winnie-the-Pooh for his bear hero, and the series became a beloved classic.
Statues and Plaques Commemorating Winnie the Pooh
There are several statues and plaques at the London Zoo and in Winnipeg, Canada, that commemorate Winnie the Pooh and her real-life counterpart, Winnie the bear. In 1981, a statue of a bear cub by sculptor Lorne McKean was unveiled at the London Zoo, along with a plaque commemorating Winnie. A bronze statue of Winnie and Colebourn holding hands, by sculptor William Epp, stands in Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg, Canada, and another similar statue was placed at the London Zoo in 1993.
Visiting the London Zoo to See Winnie the Pooh’s Origins
The London Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The cost of admission varies depending on age and membership status, with general admission for adults at £29.50 and children aged 3-15 at £22.00 as of 2022. The zoo is located in Regent’s Park in London, England, and its address is Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom. The zoo’s phone number is +44 344 225 1826.
In addition to the Winnie the Pooh-related exhibits and statues, the London Zoo is home to a wide variety of other animals and attractions, making it a must-visit destination for any zoo enthusiast. Whether you’re a fan of Winnie the Pooh or simply enjoy exploring the wonders of the animal kingdom, the London Zoo is sure to provide a memorable and educational experience.
References
- The real-life Canadian story of Winnie-the-Pooh | Articles | CBC Kids. (2022, January 17). Retrieved August 29, 2022, from https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/the-real-life-canadian-story-of-winnie-the-pooh
- Winnipeg (bear) – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved August 29, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg_(bear)
- The bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh – YouTube. (2014, January 18). Retrieved August 29, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdOymRprTqM
- Winnie the Pooh origins – London Zoo. (n.d.). Retrieved August 29, 2022, from https://www.londonzoo.org/zoo-stories/history-of-london-zoo/famous-animals-london-zoo/winnie-pooh-origins
- If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together – AA Milne. (2022, December 16). Retrieved December 16, 2022, from https://www.londonzoo.org/zoo-stories/blog/if-ever-there-is-a-tomorrow-when-were-not-together-milne