Understand
The real bear behind Winnie-the-Pooh and her connection to a First World War soldier
Overview
As the first Winnie-the-Pooh book marks its centenary year, this article explores the true story of Winnie, a female black bear cub bought by Canadian veterinary officer Harry Colbourn during the First World War. Brought over to Salisbury Plain as a regimental mascot, Winnie was later left at London Zoo when troops headed to France. Christopher Robin Milne visited the bear at the zoo, inspiring his own teddy bear's name and subsequently A.A. Milne's famous stories.
Key points
- The first Winnie-the-Pooh book was published a century ago, inspired by a real bear named Winnipeg (Winnie).
- Harry Colbourn, a Canadian vet in the First World War, bought the bear cub in White River to act as a mascot for his regiment.
- When troops were sent to France, Winnie was moved to London Zoo, where she became a major attraction.
- A.A. Milne's son, Christopher Robin, visited Winnie at the zoo and named his teddy bear after her.
- The name 'Pooh' originated from a swan that Christopher Robin and his father encountered while on holiday.
- Winnie lived at London Zoo until passing away in 1934 at the age of 20, and her skull is currently on temporary display at the Hunterian Museum.