Lt. Harry Colebourn and Winnie the Bear statue inside Assiniboine Park Zoo (CITY OF WINNIPEG ARCHIVES)
WINNIPEG — The latest exhibit to pay homage to Winnie the Bear is now open at Assiniboine Park.
“Remembering the Real Winnie” is the latest addition in the Pavilion galleries. The exhibit celebrates the story of Canadian soldier and veterinarian Lt. Harry Colebourn, who adopted Winnie from a trapper for $20.
The exhibit, housed in the Pooh Gallery, also explores the themes of veterinary practice during World War I, military life at camp, as well as the popular legacy of Winnie-the-Pooh.
“Our vision was to propel the behind-the-scenes details of a world famous story, one that starts in war and ends in peace,” said Irene Gammel, director of the Modern Literature and Culture Research Centre at Ryerson University and curator of the exhibition.
“By developing a 21st century exhibition, propelled through multiple mediums, we are pleased and proud to return the story of Harry Colebourn and Winnie the Bear to the people of Winnipeg.”
Ryerson University’s Research Image Centre and Modern Literature and Culture Research Centre is curating the exhibit, which also features a digital archive and interactive exhibition experience.
The exhibit is on the second floor of the Pavilion and is open daily, free of charge to visitors.
The Assiniboine Park is already home to the Pooh Gallery, a children’s exhibit which shares the story of the bear with a local connection and how it came to be.
