How could an actual bear serve in an army during World War II? Wojtek was a Syrian brown bear adopted by Polish soldiers of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company in the 2nd Polish Corps commanded by Gen. Władysław Anders. The bear took part in the famous Battle of Monte Cassino, carrying boxes with ammunition and pulling a supply cart. Rumors also surfaced that Wojtek smoked cigarettes and drank beer, and numerous sources have generally confirmed it, including direct relations of soldiers who worked with the bear personally. After World War II, Wojtek was relocated to the Edinburgh Zoo, where he lived for 16 years before dying in 1963.

Source: Washington Post June 02, 2023 20:40 UTC