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Statues of a man next to a bear

Wojtek the Bear


What has a Syrian brown bear got to do with World War 2?


Wojtek the bear was adopted by the Polish 22nd Artillery Supply Company during the War and ‘officially enlisted’ with his own paybook, serial number and the rank of Corporal. During the Battle of Monte Cassino, he carried ammunition crates and earned such admiration that he became the Company’s official mascot.


After the War ended, Wojtek came to Edinburgh Zoo where he lived until his death in 1963. His statue by Alan Beattie Heriot was erected in Princes Street Gardens in 2015, highlighting the Scottish-Polish Association and the sacrifices of war.