A curious llama has already beaten many visitors to one of the newest attractions at London Zoo — stopping to investigate a giant storybook that has appeared inside the Zoo for a special Winnie-the-Pooh adventure.
Ande the llama was photographed examining the enormous seven-foot-tall book, which serves as the opening point of “A Little Boy and His Bear: A Storybook Adventure Trail.”
The autumn trail invites families to step into the world of Winnie-the-Pooh and Eeyore as they follow a story-inspired journey through the Zoo. Along the way, visitors can discover scenes inspired by a nighttime adventure featuring the beloved characters.
The attraction has been created to celebrate the release of Jane Riordan’s new book, Winnie-the-Pooh: A Little Boy and His Bear, published by HarperCollins.
But the connection between Winnie-the-Pooh and London Zoo goes back much further than the new trail.
The original Winnie was actually a real American black bear who became one of the Zoo’s most famous residents after arriving there in 1914. The bear’s name would later inspire A.A. Milne when he created the fictional Winnie-the-Pooh.
That unusual link between a real bear, a historic zoo and one of the world’s best-known children’s characters is at the heart of the new experience.
For visitors, the trail offers an opportunity to discover that history while enjoying a playful storybook journey through the Zoo.
Ande’s unexpected appearance has added another charming moment to the launch. Rather than simply walking past the enormous book, the llama stopped to inspect it, apparently intrigued by the unusual new object in his surroundings.
The trail is also part of two significant celebrations.
The year 2026 marks 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh, while the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the international conservation charity responsible for London Zoo, is celebrating its 200th anniversary.
Together, the milestones provide the backdrop for an attraction that combines children’s literature, the history of London Zoo and its ongoing work in wildlife conservation.
Families can experience the trail throughout the autumn half-term, with the event running until Sunday, November 1, 2026.
The storybook adventure is included with standard Zoo admission, giving visitors the chance to explore the trail while also meeting the real animals that call London Zoo home.
And if Ande’s reaction is anything to go by, the giant storybook has already found at least one very enthusiastic explorer.