Winnipeg was a cute brown bear in London Zoo, and A. A. Milne frequently took his son Christopher Robin there. The small boy was very fond of the bear, and t is thought that Christopher Robin named his bear Winnie after Winnipeg.

The bear cub was originally purchased by Lieutenant Harry Colebourn on August 24th 1914. He had stopped at White River Ontario, on his way to the first world war. He named her Winnipeg after his home town.

When his regiment was called to fight he left Winnipeg in the care of London Zoo. In 1919 he returned to Canada leaving Winnipeg to London Zoo, who looked after the bear until her death on March 12th 1934.

London Zoo has two statues commemorating this. A large statue of Lieutenant Harry Colebourn with Winnipeg, can be found in the Children's Zoo.

A smaller statue portraying Winnipeg as a bear cub is situated behind the Reptile House.

There is also a plaque telling visitors about the story of Winnipeg and Winnie the Pooh, on the wall at bear mountain.

London Zoo is mostly accessible to people using wheelchairs, and has suitable facilities.

London Zoo Information