POOH’S LOST STORY!

What most people don’t know is that although the stories about Winnie the Pooh are English in origin, Winnie herself was born in Canada.

Winnie originally came from Winnipeg, Manitoba, thus the name ‘Winnie’. Winnie was actually a black bear and the mascot of a Canadian regiment sent to London during World War I. Lt. Harry Coldburn was Winnie’s guardian, but he had to leave her with the London Zoo when he was sent to do battle.

E. A. Milne saw Winnie at the zoo and was inspired enough to write a collection of stories about the bear.

The London Zoo no longer has black bears, but recently a statue was unveiled outside the zoo honouring Winnie and Lt. Harry Coldrum.

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