London Zoo: New Adventure Trail for “Winnie-the-Pooh”

(eap) “Winnie-the-Pooh” is celebrating his 100th anniversary this year! To mark the occasion, visitors to London Zoo, which was once home to the bear “Winnipeg”, who inspired the name of Winnie-the-Pooh, will be able to explore an adventure trail following in the footsteps of the honey-loving yellow bear and his melancholic donkey friend “Eeyore” from 2 October to 1 November.

Winnie the Pooh and Lieutenant veterinarian Harry Colebourn at London Zoo. © Photo: Zoological Society of London The adventure trail begins at the Zoo’s historic “Mappin Terraces”, also known as “Bear Mountain”. There, zookeepers will introduce visitors to the true story of Winnipeg. The black bear lived at London Zoo from 1914 until her death in 1934, after having been rescued as an orphaned cub by a veterinarian in Ontario, Canada, and brought to England. She inspired the naming of Winnie-the-Pooh. In 1926, the first Winnie-the-Pooh book written by Alan Alexander Milne was published – marking the beginning of an enduring connection between the bear character, which quickly also gained international recognition, and London Zoo. The character’s success was even reflected in Disney acquiring the film rights in 1961. In Disney’s animated adaptation, Winnie-the-Pooh wears his characteristic red shirt.

Families wishing to explore the Winnie-the-Pooh adventure trail will receive a special map to guide them along the route. Along the way, they will be challenged to spot certain animal species, collect stamps and other special items, and create their own bedtime song. The latter challenge directly relates to the story of a new Winnie-the-Pooh book being published by HarperCollins to mark the character’s 100th anniversary. Its author, Jane Riordan, continues Milne’s storytelling tradition.

Penguin Beach at London Zoo. © Photo: Zoological Society of London The temporary adventure trail is also part of the celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the international conservation charity behind London Zoo.

The adventure trail ends at Penguin Beach, where children can collect a special Winnie-the-Pooh sticker. The new book will also be available in the zoo shop, allowing visitors to continue exploring Winnie-the-Pooh’s story world after their visit. ■