The story of Wojtek is an unusual one. An orhaned brown bear cub in Iran, traded for some tins of food to the Polish army by a small boy who was keeping him as a pet. The army adopted him, plied him with beer and cigarettes, taught him to carry heavy crates of ammo and gave him a name, rank, service number and paybook so he could move across borders with the rest of the corps. When the war was over much of the Polish men stayed in Scotland because of Soviet regimes and Wojtek was rehomed in Edinburgh Zoo where he lived happily, visited often by his army friends, until he died aged 21 in 1963

I have always appreciated the story of Wojtek as a celebration of the relationship between animals and people. It was lovely to show some respect to such a historic bear in the city which he enjoyed his final days of retirement.

Greetings from Poznan, Poland! I had a beer for the bear. There's a street dedicated to him, so I thought I leave here a small present. Cheers, wherever you are!

Nobody knows about this absolute madlad! I'm happy I found him on my way to the airport. I told 6 tourists who stopped and looked in absolute wonder. RIP Wojtek. The dream pet. The king chungus. A true hero.

This may not occur to you at the time that it is a memorial to war as it is a fun statue where many children as well as some adults climb on the bear and pose for photos and unlike other memorials this seems totally acceptable. And this probably makes it even more memorable as it is immortalised in family pictures.

Interesting monument depicting a bear ... a member of the Polish army during World War II.

I visited this bear last Saturday, while walking through the park. Clearly plenty of space for Social distancing. There is lots of great photos opportunities at this site, and if you take 5 minutes to read the information, it completely tells the story. Would recommend 100%, and would revisit 100%.

People just have to rub the nose of Wojtek as a sign of affection. This is such a lovely story that couldn’t happen today. A bear working with a military battalion, arrives from Poland and spends his final days at Edinburgh Zoo, I hope he was very well cared for. It’s a great statue and story, well worth a visit, it sits in Princess Park and has the castle looking down on him.

Woktek the soldier bear 🐻 who helped polish troops carry ammunition at the battle of monte cassion during world war 2 he ended his days in Edinburgh zoo and this sculpture in princes st gardens located 4 princes st south Charlotte st Edinburgh EH2 2HG It’s a very popular place for the tourists who vist princes st gardens

Cute monument, one could use to check it out in order to take a walk in the park behind it with an amazing view at the Castle

Wojtek is a lovely bear and it's a great memorial of a really interesting story.

A Polish bear-solider. Amazing story

Beautifully detailed statue of a Syrian Brown bear that worked with Polish forces during WW2 carrying ammunition boxes and became a corporal with the 22nd Artillery supply company during the Italian campaign

A beautiful commemoration of the bear serving in the 22nd Artillery Supply Company of Poland under the command of General Anders. Wojtek was given the rank of Corporal.

Lovely story behind this Statue. Polish Bear in WW11 ."Happy Warrior ".

Had a great afternoon in here chilling off Princess Street with my tunes on taking a rest from the busy centre. The parks over there are fantastic, clean, well kept and full of art. The Roses were out all around Edinburgh but the little bungalow house in the park Across from princess street is Beautiful. Full of flowers. My ideal home.

A characterful tribute to a great story - easily one of the best statues in the city. It's worth reading up on before visiting.

Fantastic place and some magnificent history. Definitely Google Bear 🐻 Wojtek the story is amazing.

I was familiar with the story of Wojtek the bear, but did not know about this statue. It's a very fitting tribute to Wojtek and it's nice to have his memory remembered.

The Polish nation always demonstrates a willingness to help their friends and is an example of bravery 🇵🇱

I don't remember visiting this place specifically, however what I think is that I may have passed through this place while going by bus or walking through the princess street after getting down from bus, because this place is very close to princess street only. Hence the GPS or the location of my mobile picked up this place and it is asking for a review. However I would definitely visit this place with my kid, in the near future.

It's an amazing place to see!!! Such a lovely location, the monument is highly talantedly done, such a masterpiece ❤ This monument is especially touching, when you aware about the history, which lay before this bronze Man&Bear. If you don't know about this just absolutely brilliant book (which actually based on unbelievable , true story) - I do recommend you to read the book: Wojtek, the Bear - I swear to God, you want regret it. (Especially, if you are from Poland). Love it, love it, love it! This place- must see 👀

Get a pic with Wojtek Cool park w great views of the castle. A few steps away from the street down into the park. There are quite a few statues in the area.

Lovely memorial to Wojtek and his comrades. Passed by it while attending the Edinburgh Christmas market and the Christmas lights added to the statues appeal

Stunning memorial to a wonderful creature! Shame the wider public do not know the full story behind it.