Originally adopted as a mascot by the Polish Army in Iran Wojtek soon took on a more practical role carrying heavy mortar rounds for the troops & going on to play his part as a fully enlisted 'soldier' with his own rank & number during the Italian campaign. After the war Wojtek along with some of his Polish compatriots from II Corps came to Berwickshire where he became a significant member of the local community before subsequently moving to Edinburgh Zoo. Wojtek's retirement was far from quiet: a potent symbol of freedom & solidarity for Poles around the world he attracted a huge amount of media interest that shows no sign of abating more than 45 years after his death.