New Grizzly 399 Monument
Unveiling September 9, 2026, at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole.
New Grizzly 399 Monument
Unveiling September 9, 2026, at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole.
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. Now, many are asking how to best honor this extraordinary bear...
The Monument
The "Grizzly 399 Legacy of Love Project" is creating a larger-than-life bronze monument (life+3/4) of 399 and four of her cubs, sculpted by acclaimed wildlife artist Jocelyn Russell. The team is thrilled to announce that the monument will be placed near the front entrance of the National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The public unveiling will be held on September 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The 9/9 dedication date was selected as a symbolic reference to Grizzly 399.
The Lead Artist
Jocelyn Russell is a renowned sculptor with over 60 public and private monuments to her credit. Her most notable works include the heroic war horse Sgt. Reckless, a series of life-size animals for the Audubon Zoo, and the iconic racehorse Secretariat. Jocelyn's personal connection to this Grizzly 399 Project runs deep. In 2020, she had the privilege of witnessing 399 and her quadruplets firsthand. It was an experience that deeply inspired her to memorialize this beloved bear and her cubs in bronze.
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
