Born all the way back in 966AD, Bartek is a living phoenix like his representing country as he has come back from the brink of extinction numerous times (we're looking at you Victoria of Prussia, Abelard of Germany, Tobias of Austria and Eduard of Russia). Bartek's Poland is known for being the country of origin of the late Pope John Paul II who was the first non Italian pope in 455 years! Bartek's birthday is also Polish Independence Day, 11 November which is also Armistice Day.