Winnie the bear, Winnipeg Travel Guide

The Winnie the Bear statue, located in Assiniboine Park's Nature Playground, is a touching tribute to a real-life bear with a remarkable story. In 1914, Lieutenant Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian from Winnipeg, rescued a black bear cub while en route to a training camp during World War I. He named her Winnie, after his adopted hometown of Winnipeg.Colebourn brought Winnie to England, where she became a mascot for his regiment. Eventually, he donated Winnie to the London Zoo, where she became a popular attraction. Among her many fans was a young boy named Christopher Robin Milne, who named his teddy bear after her. Christopher Robin's father, author A.A. Milne, was inspired by Winnie and his son's teddy bear to create the world-famous Winnie-the-Pooh stories.The bronze statue, created by sculptor William Epp, depicts Colebourn and Winnie in a playful pose, capturing the heartwarming connection between them. Unveiled in 1992, the statue serves as a reminder of Winnipeg's special connection to the origins of Winnie-the-Pooh. Visitors can also explore the Pooh Gallery in Assiniboine Park's Pavilion, which features exhibits about Winnie's story and the creation of Winnie-the-Pooh.