Pacific Standard July-August 2013 Cover

A Private Bear

This, from the animal behavior files, tickles me all over again, and it seems like a mental health break is in order.


December 20, 2012 • By • Leave a Comment
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This, from the animal behavior files, tickles me all over again, and it seems like a mental health break is in order (hat tip: Lisa Margonelli):

Wojtek (1942–1963) was a Syrian brown bear cub found in Iran and adopted by soldiers of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company of the Polish II Corps. He enjoyed wrestling and was taught to salute when greeted. With the company he moved to Iraq and then through Syria, Palestine and Egypt. He was officially drafted into the Polish Army as a private.

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About Maria Streshinsky

Maria Streshinsky is the editor of Pacific Standard, and was formerly the managing editor of The Atlantic in Washington, D.C. She spent two years working at the U.S. Department of the Interior.