London Zoo has unveiled a new family adventure trail, A Little Boy and His Bear, running from October 2 to November 1, 2026, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh and the 200th anniversary of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). The trail invites visitors to follow in the pawprints of Winnie-the-Pooh and his friend Eeyore on a journey through the zoo, based on a new Harper Collins book by Jane Riordan written in the style of A.A. Milne.
The Real Bear Behind the Icon
The beloved character Winnie-the-Pooh was inspired by a Canadian black bear named Winnipeg, who came to live at the Regent's Park attraction in 1914. Her owner, Lieutenant Harry Colebourn, a Canadian veterinary officer, had bought her as a cub from a hunter in Ontario who had killed her mother. He named her after his home town and brought her to Salisbury Plain, where she became the unofficial regimental mascot.
When Colebourn was sent to France during the First World War, he left Winnipeg at London Zoo for safekeeping. She quickly captured the hearts of visitors, including Christopher Robin Milne, the son of Winnie-the-Pooh creator A.A. Milne. The boy became so fond of the bear that he renamed his teddy after her, and her name was later immortalised when A.A. Milne began writing stories about his son's toys.
Trail Details and Activities
The trail begins at the historic Mappin Terraces, known as Bear Mountain, where zookeepers will introduce families to Winnie's real-life story. Guests receive a map to follow Pooh and Eeyore's nighttime adventure around the zoo, with the story brought to life through giant displays. Children can complete their own Pooh-inspired journals along the way and are encouraged to spot animals such as pygmy hippos, zebras, and bushbabies, collecting stamps and special items for their journals.
They'll also have the chance to create their own bedtime song, just like Winnie in the story. The trail, which is free with entry to London Zoo, concludes at Penguin Beach, where children will receive a special Pooh sticker.
Legacy and Impact
A statue of Winnipeg and Lieutenant Colebourn at London Zoo commemorates the bear who would inspire Christopher Robin Milne to name his teddy Winnie. Lieutenant Colebourn survived the war, rising to the rank of Major. When he returned to resume his veterinary practice in Winnipeg in 1920, he decided to leave the bear at London Zoo so she could continue to inspire visitors like Christopher Robin.
His simple act of kindness led to a storytelling legacy that has charmed children and adults for generations. Visitors can find out more and book tickets by visiting www.londonzoo.org.
