Hero bear Wojtek re-imagined in alternative history

He’s the beer-drinking soldier bear who fought alongside Polish troops during the Second World War, before spending his twilight years at Edinburgh Zoo.
Jakub Rozalski's depiction of WojtekJakub Rozalski's depiction of Wojtek
Jakub Rozalski's depiction of Wojtek

But now a Polish artist has reimagined Wojtek’s wartime role in a series of fantastical paintings set in an alternative version of history. Concept artist Jakub Rozalski, who lives in Krakow, created the striking images in tribute to the iconic bear, who died in 1963.

He said: “I am very passionate about history. For me he [Wojtek] is a symbol of courage, sacrifice and friendship between man and beast.”

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