An Outpouring of Love
Grizzly 399, a global icon of grizzly bear conservation, leaves behind a legacy both remarkable and heartbreaking. This grand matriarch of Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming, lived to an impressive 28 years old and birthed 18 cubs. Her lineage includes at least 24 descendants—cubs, grandcubs, and great-grandcubs. Sadly, it is believed that roughly half of them have died, mostly due to human activity. Her passing on October 22, 2024, has deeply saddened her many admirers, prompting an outpouring of love and support.
The Monument
The "Grizzly 399 Legacy of Love Project" created a larger-than-life bronze monument (life+3/4) of 399 and four of her cubs, sculpted by wildlife artists Jocelyn Russell (399), Kristen Douglas-Seitz (2 cubs) and Colleen Moore (2 cubs). The monument was placed near the front entrance of the National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The public unveiling was held on September 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The 9/9 dedication date was selected as a symbolic reference to Grizzly 399.
Grizzly 399's impact has transcended national park boundaries, capturing the hearts of people nationwide. The Grizzly 399 monument will not only celebrate her life but also serve as a lasting tribute.
Sonia Reid - Artist & Photographer, Jackson, WY
