The Captured Bear Captured His Heart
As he held the little bear in his arms, the trapper explained that he had actually killed the cub’s mother, but he just couldn’t handle doing the same to the now orphan cub. The captured cub quickly captured this animal-loving soldier’s heart. The veterinarian decided that he was going to buy this bear, and he handed the man $20 cash.
Source: cbc.ca
He then took his new friend to the train to a shocked and confused group of soldiers. Colebourn decided to name the bear “Winnipeg” in tribute to the town he has been living in for so long. Winnipeg quickly became Winnie during the weeks Colebourn spent training with other members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Quebec. Winnie became his trusty companion.