📍 Princes Street Gardens (Wojtek Statue) | 📍 Edinburgh Zoo (Final Home)
Not many war heroes end their days in Edinburgh Zoo—but then, Wojtek the Bear was no ordinary soldier.
His story is one of war, camaraderie, and the deep bond between soldiers and their most unexpected comrade—a Syrian brown bear.
From the Mountains of Iran to the Battlefields of Europe
Wojtek’s journey began in 1942, when a group of Polish soldiers—released from Soviet captivity—were traveling through the Middle East to join Allied forces. While passing through Iran, they came across a young, orphaned bear cub, barely able to survive on his own.
The soldiers adopted him, fed him condensed milk from a bottle, and named him Wojtek—a common Polish name meaning “joyful warrior.”
Little did they know, he would soon become one of their own.
A Bear in the Polish Army? Absolutely.
As Wojtek grew, he became one of the soldiers—wrestling with them for fun, sharing their rations, and even drinking beer (his favorite treat). The bear became such an important part of the unit that, when the Polish Army was deployed to Italy, he had to be officially enlisted as a Private in the 22nd Artillery Supply Company so he could travel with them.
Yes, Wojtek had a rank, a service number, and was even paid in food and beer!
The Battle of Monte Cassino: Wojtek Becomes a Legend
During the fierce Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, the Polish troops were responsible for transporting heavy artillery shells under constant enemy fire.
Without any training—just by watching the soldiers—Wojtek started helping.
The bear lifted and carried 100-pound artillery shells to the front lines, calmly delivering them to gunners while enemy bombs exploded around him. The sight of a massive brown bear running ammunition stunned Allied and Axis troops alike.
After the battle, Wojtek’s bravery became legendary. The Polish Army even made a new emblem for their unit—featuring a bear carrying an artillery shell.
Wojtek’s New Home in Edinburgh
When World War II ended, the Polish soldiers could not return home—Poland had fallen under Soviet control. Many settled in Scotland, bringing Wojtek with them.
But as the soldiers moved on with their lives, Wojtek needed a new home. In 1947, he was reluctantly sent to Edinburgh Zoo—but his soldier friends never forgot him.
Veterans of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company regularly visited Wojtek, standing by his enclosure and calling his name. The moment he heard their Polish voices, the old soldier would sit up, wave, and even salute them.
Wojtek passed away in 1963, but his legend lived on.
Where to See Wojtek Today in Edinburgh
Princes Street Gardens – Wojtek Statue A stunning bronze statue of Wojtek, unveiled in 2015, stands in Princes Street Gardens, near the castle. It shows Wojtek marching beside a Polish soldier, carrying an artillery shell—just as he did in Monte Cassino.
Edinburgh Zoo – Wojtek’s Final Home Wojtek spent his last years in Edinburgh Zoo, where he became a favorite among visitors. Though the bear is gone, you can still visit the zoo where he lived, imagining the days when he waved to his old army friends.
The Soldier Bear Lives On
Wojtek was more than just a mascot—he was a real soldier, a symbol of bravery, loyalty, and friendship.
Next time you pass through Princes Street Gardens, stop by Wojtek’s statue and take a moment to remember: this city was once home to the most unlikely war hero Scotland has ever known.
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