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Discover the heartwarming story of Wojtek, the heroic Polish soldier bear, and the monument dedicated to him, unveiled in Edinburgh on November 7, 2015.
Wojtek the Soldier Bear
In the midst of World War II, an extraordinary bond formed between soldiers of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company of the Polish 2nd Corps and a Syrian brown bear cub named Wojtek. This remarkable friendship would lead to Wojtek becoming an honorary soldier and a symbol of courage. Eight years ago, on November 7, 2015, a monumental tribute to this unique war hero was unveiled in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The Unveiling of the Monument
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the Wojtek the Soldier Bear monument was revealed to the public, capturing the hearts of locals and tourists alike. The sculpture, created by renowned artist Alan Herriot, depicts Wojtek and his comrades, standing side by side, embodying unity and the strength of the human-animal bond. The monument stands as a testament to the extraordinary story of a bear who served in the army, carried shells, and provided comfort to his fellow soldiers.
Wojtek’s legacy lives on in the city where he spent the last years of his life. The monument serves as a touching reminder of a bear who went from a cub in Iran to a beloved war hero in Scotland, leaving an indelible mark on history.
Locations of monuments to Wojtek in Poland:
- Jordan Park, Kraków
- Żagań
- Szczecin
- the Nowe Miasto neighbourhood of Warsaw
- near a preschool named after him in the Ochota district of Warsaw
- Sopot
- Szymbark