The true story that inspired one of theiworld's most loved children's stories.

Millions of people know the stories of A.A. Milne but few people are aware that a real bear inspired them. Milne and his son Christopher met the real Winnie at the London Zoo in 1926. A Bear Named Winnie is based on the story of that amazing bear.

World War I has just begun. A Veterinarian with the 34th Fort Garry Horse Division is traveling by train with other soldiers when he buys a bear cub at a rest stop. He names her Winnie, after his hometown of Winnipeg and she travels with them all the way to Salisbury Plain in England. When Harry's regiment is sent to fight in France, the young vet knows Winnie cannot go. He finds a home for her at the London Zoo, promising to return as soon as the war is over and take her back to Canada.

While Harry and his friends fight in France, Winnie becomes the star attraction at the zoo. For the children of London, she becomes a symbol of friendship and hope.