Merrythought Winnipeg Bear

H 33 cm standing

Presented in a pure cotton dust bag, with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Each bear is individually numbered as part of a limited edition of 1926pcs, representing the year that Winnie The Pooh was first published.

This friendly bear thoughtfully honours an important character in the history of the Milne family and the stories of Winnie The Pooh; the Canadian black bear, ‘Winnipeg’.

Winnipeg, known as Winnie, was the beloved pet bear of Lieutenant Harry Colebourn, an English vet who had emigrated to Canada to serve with the Royal Canadian Army Veterinary Corps. While travelling across Canada to join the regiment and serve in World War 1, he bought Winnie as a cub from a hunter who had sadly killed her mother and named her after his adoptive hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

When Lieutenant Colebourn’s regiment was sent to train in England in 1914, Winnie accompanied him and became a mascot to the Second Canadian Infantry Brigade, however he left her in the safe keeping of London Zoo while he was deployed to the battlefields of France.

Winnie remained at London Zoo from 1915 until her passing in 1934, and during that time became a favourite of Christopher Robin, son of AA Milne, who was a regular visitor during the early 1920s. She thus inspired Milne to name the lead character of his famous books, Winnie The Pooh.

Lovingly handmade from the softest jet-black alpaca plush, paired with a fawn-coloured muzzle, Winnipeg features embroidered detailing on her paws, captivating life-like eyes, and a cheerful smile.

Suitable for children over 36 months. Please remove all tags and accessories before giving to a child.