World War II was a devastating event that led to the tragic loss of millions of lives. However, Wojtek the bear provided a little glimmer of hope during a dark time. From his humble beginning as a cub in young boy's knapsack, to the honor of being bestowed an official title and rank in the Polish army, to his eventual retirement to the Edinburgh Zoo, Wojtek impacted the lives of everyone he interacted with, offering love, laughter, entertainment, and even a helping hand (or paw).

References

Edencamp. (2022, May 13). #Forgotten Friday: The Bear Soldier of the Second World War. Retrieved from Eden Camp Moder History Museum: https://edencamp.co.uk/blog/forgotten-friday-the-bear-soldier-of-the-second-world-war/

Murtoff, J. (N/D, N/D N/D). Wojtek the Bear. Retrieved from Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/event/casualties-of-World-War-II-2231003

Orr, A. (2012). Wojtek the bear: Polish war hero. Edinburgh: Birlinn Limited.

Tousignat, M. (2021, August 30). In World War 2, a bear became companion and helper to Polish soldiers. Retrieved from The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/bear-helps-world-war-ii-soldiers/2021/08/30/fd22b7a4-ee70-11eb-a452-4da5fe48582d_story.html

Waxman, O. B. (2017, April 8). The Bear Who Became a Cigarette-Smoking, Beer-Drinking World War II Hero. Retrieved from Time.com: https://time.com/4731787/wojtek-the-bear-history/