Answer
Winnipeg, a black bear from Canada, served as the inspiration for Winnie-the-Pooh. The bear was brought to England in 1914 and became a beloved resident of the London Zoo. Author A.A. Milne's son, Christopher Robin, frequently visited Winnipeg and developed a strong bond with the animal. Milne immortalized the bear in his children's books, where Winnie-the-Pooh became a beloved and iconic character.