🐻 Wojtek: The Soldier Bear of World War II

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In 1942, a group of Polish soldiers traveling through the Middle East encountered a young Iranian shepherd carrying a tiny orphaned brown bear cub. The mother had been killed, and the cub was weak and hungry. The soldiers — part of the Polish II Corps, who had been released from Soviet camps and were now headed toward British-controlled Palestine — decided to adopt the cub.

They named him Wojtek (pronounced “Voy-tek”), meaning “Happy Warrior” or “Smiling Warrior.”

At first, he was fed condensed milk from a vodka bottle, and the soldiers cared for him like a baby. Over time, he bonded with the men and grew into a massive 250-kg (550 lb) Syrian brown bear.

🪖 Life as a Soldier

Wojtek quickly became a beloved member of the Polish forces. He:

slept alongside the soldiers
loved to play-wrestle (and usually won!)
drank beer
smoked or ate cigarettes
stole food when hungry
rode in military trucks like a human
saluted by raising his paw

But this was not just a mascot. Over time, he was formally enlisted as a soldier in the 22nd Artillery Supply Company of the Polish II Corps because of one simple reason:

⚠️ The unit could not bring an “animal” onto a British transport ship —

so they made Wojtek an official Private, with a service number, rank, and paybook!

🔥 The Battle of Monte Cassino (1944)

Wojtek’s moment of fame came during the brutal Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy — one of the hardest and bloodiest Allied campaigns of the war.

Polish forces were tasked with transporting crates of artillery shells up steep slopes under fire.

🐻 And Wojtek helped.

Eyewitnesses reported the huge bear:

standing upright like a man
carrying heavy crates of 25-lb ammunition
never dropping a single shell
calming other soldiers with his presence

He became a symbol of strength and morale.

In honor of his work, the company adopted a new emblem:

A bear carrying an artillery shell.

This became the official insignia of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company.

🏁 End of the War

After Germany’s surrender, Polish soldiers and Wojtek were transported to Scotland, where the Polish II Corps awaited demobilization.

Wojtek lived with the men in an army camp near Duns, Scotland, where he became a beloved local celebrity. He played with children, enjoyed beer, and continued wrestling soldiers for fun.

But when the Polish unit disbanded in 1947, the soldiers had to say farewell. They entrusted Wojtek to the Edinburgh Zoo.

🐻 Wojtek in Edinburgh Zoo

Even as a zoo resident, Wojtek behaved like a soldier:

perked up when he heard Polish spoken
recognized visiting veterans and would paw at the glass
loved cigarettes and beer
enjoyed wrestling with zookeepers

Many former Polish soldiers visited him regularly, and Wojtek became a symbol of their long journey.

🕯️ Death and Legacy

Wojtek died in 1963 at age 21 — old for a bear.
He had become a legendary figure, representing bravery, loyalty, and the strange, humanizing moments that appear even in wartime.

Today, there are statues and memorials of Wojtek in:

Edinburgh
Kraków
London
Warsaw
Italy (near Monte Cassino)

He remains one of the most famous animal heroes of WWII.But when the Polish unit disbanded in 1947, the soldiers had to say farewell. They entrusted Wojtek to the Edinburgh Zoo.

🐻 Wojtek – WWII Timeline Summary

1942 – Discovery in Iran

Polish soldiers traveling through Iran find an orphaned bear cub.
They buy him from a shepherd boy.
Name him Wojtek (“Happy Warrior”).
Feed him with condensed milk from a bottle.

1942–1943 – Raised by Polish II Corps

Wojtek grows up among soldiers of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company.
Learns to drink beer, eat cigarettes, wrestle, and ride in trucks.
Becomes the unofficial mascot of the unit.

Late 1943 – Official Enlistment

The unit needs to board a British military ship to Italy.
Animals are not allowed, so Wojtek is officially enlisted as a Private.
Given a service number and put on the soldier roster.

May 1944 – Battle of Monte Cassino

Wojtek helps carry heavy crates of artillery shells.
Walks upright with shells in his arms, inspiring the troops.
Becomes a symbol of the company.
The 22nd Company adopts a new emblem: a bear carrying an artillery shell.

1945 – War Ends

Polish II Corps is moved to Scotland for demobilization.
Wojtek lives in a camp near Duns, loved by locals.

1947 – After Demobilization

With the disbanding of the Polish unit, Wojtek is transferred to the Edinburgh Zoo.
Continues to drink beer, smoke or eat cigarettes, and greet former soldiers.

1947–1963 – Life in Edinburgh Zoo

Wojtek becomes a star attraction.
Recognizes visiting Polish veterans — stands up and waves his paw.
Featured in news stories as “The Soldier Bear.”

December 2, 1963 – Death

Wojtek dies at age 21, a long life for a Syrian brown bear.
Becomes a legendary symbol of loyalty, courage, and the human-animal bond in wartime.

Post-1963 – Legacy

Statues and memorials built in:
Edinburgh, Kraków, Warsaw, London, and Monte Cassino.
His story remains one of the most unique and beloved of WWII.