We get asked lots of truly ridiculous stuff at the zoo
At least twice a year someone will contact us to enquire if it's true the lions weren't fed meat during the second world war. Well, obviously it's not true; without meat, they would die; meat is essential in a lion's diet. I've been told this originates from something in the Bible about lions and lambs sharing the field at the end of times, or something. The rationing did have some affect on their diet though, part of their diet came from Battersea Dogs Home.

We've been asked this so many times over the years we have a template email we reply with now.

Of the less face palm variety of ignorance, and actually quite nice revealing this to people, is Winnie the Pooh was actually a real bear we had at the zoo who was so tame and friendly people could quite safely play with her. We have a photo of her and Christopher Robin Milne together in the library, and also her animal record, which records her arrival and departure.

People who didn't know this usually have such a lovely reaction when I tell them, it's actually quite touching :)
( Jahled Three shades of black, Thu 30 Aug 2012, 20:11, 4 replies)

Ah, nice
I knew about the Winnipeg connection, as that's where the missus is from, but not the details
( emvee cruor deo cruoris, Fri 31 Aug 2012, 7:41, closed)

Here:
Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh
( Jahled Three shades of black, Fri 31 Aug 2012, 12:59, closed)

lions and lamps
that is all
( MisterPunch did it that way on, Fri 31 Aug 2012, 11:50, closed)

Ha!
Oops
( Jahled Three shades of black, Fri 31 Aug 2012, 12:56, closed)