Wojtek

Wojtek (c. 1940–1963) was a Syrian brown bear who became the mascot and informal member of the Polish II Corps during World War II. He was captured as a cub by soldiers of the 22nd Transport Company of the Polish Army in the West in 1942, in the Middle East region where Polish troops were operating at the time. The name Wojtek, a diminutive of Wojciech, was given by the soldiers.

During the Italian campaign, including the Battle of Monte Cassino, Wojtek reportedly helped move crates of ammunition and supplies for the unit. He was trained to carry heavy loads and became famous for his size, strength, and calm demeanor. He was officially enrolled as a private in the Polish Army, a rare case of an animal being accorded military status.

After the war, Wojtek accompanied his unit as it relocated to the United Kingdom. In 1947 he was transferred to the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, where he lived until his death. He is buried at or near the zoo, and a memorial related to Wojtek remains on site.

Wojtek’s legacy endures as a symbol of the Polish contribution to the Allied war effort and the close ties between soldiers and their animal companions. His story has been recounted in books, documentaries, and exhibitions, and it has inspired various commemorations and public displays in Poland and the United Kingdom.