Zoo Becomes the ‘Hundred Acre Zoo’ For Pooh’s 100th

PUBLISHED 15/01/2026

As Winnie the Pooh fans around the world prepare to celebrate ‘Winnie the Pooh Day’ on 18th January, a little bit of Hundred Acre Wood magic landed in one Sussex Zoo. Drusillas Park, located just a short distance from Pooh Corner in Hartfield, the place synonymous with A.A. Milne’s beloved bear and the iconic ‘Pooh Bridge’ in the Ashdown Forest, has marked the occasion by treating its animals to a Pooh-themed enrichment experience at the park’s very own ‘Hundred Acre Zoo’.

Although the character first appeared in a story in late 1925, the first Winnie the Pooh book was published in October 1926, making 2026 the 100th anniversary of Pooh’s debut in literature. It also follows a milestone year for Drusillas itself, which celebrated its own 100th anniversary in 2025 – so nearly a double centenary for two much-loved Sussex icons!

To honour Pooh’s legendary love of honey, Drusillas’ zookeepers dressed as the iconic yellow bear, and prepared special ‘honey pot’ enrichment treats for some of the zoo residents.

Senior Zookeeper, Jacinta Dawe, explained: “Winnie-the-Pooh is such an important part of Sussex heritage. With Pooh celebrating 100 years and Drusillas having marked our own centenary last year, it felt like the perfect opportunity to celebrate together. Bringing a little bit of the Hundred Acre Wood to our ‘100 Acre Zoo’ was a fun way to mark the occasion while also benefiting the animals.”

The Hundred Acre Zoo friends wasted no time at all on ‘think-think’ before tucking into their honey-pot treasures. Echo the sloth was first to discover her golden surprise, reaching it with enthusiasm, while Napoleon the Emperor Tamarin displayed his most Tigger-ish tendencies, bouncing along with joy towards his sweet reward. Eagle the tortoise, moving at an Eeyore-like pace but with great determination, made his way as quickly as he could to his treat, and the mongoose family, ever so sensible, approached theirs cautiously at first - quite certain it might be a Heffalump in disguise.

Enrichment activities like the Pooh-themed honey pots play an important role in zoo life, helping animals stay active, and mentally stimulated. From exploring new scents to problem-solving for tasty rewards, these experiences mirror behaviours animals would naturally display in the wild.

“Enrichment doesn’t always have to be complicated,” adds Chloe Lilliott, Drusillas Zookeeper. “Sometimes a simple idea - like foraging for food - can provide fantastic mental stimulation and encourage natural behaviours. It’s lovely to combine animal welfare with a story that so many people grew up with.”

Located in the heart of Sussex, Drusillas Park has long been a favourite family destination, combining close-up animal encounters with rides, play areas, and a strong focus on education and conservation. By celebrating cultural milestones like Winnie-the-Pooh Day, the park hopes to create memorable moments that connect visitors to both local heritage and the natural world.