Winnie-the-Pooh was inspired by a real Canadian bear named Winnie, adopted by soldier Harry Colebourn during World War I. Named after Winnipeg, Winnie became a military mascot before being relocated to the London Zoo.

There, she captured the heart of a young boy named Christopher Robin, whose visits with her inspired his father, A.A. Milne, to create the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh stories.

This heartwarming piece of Canadian history connects to literature, heritage, and wartime service is an example of Canada’s cultural influence around the world.