|
|||
 |
|||
           |
 |
|
Animal Archive |
   |
||
|
|
| Previous Articles: Leo the Lion |
Hollywood's
"Biggest" Star Dies of Cancer at 23 Bart the Bear, beloved Hollywood star of film and TV, died from cancer on May 10 at his home in Utah. He was 23. One of Hollywood's "biggest" stars, Bart was born in the Baltimore Zoo on January 19, 1977. At only 5 weeks old, he was adopted by animal trainers Doug and Lynne Seus and taken to their wildlife ranch 30 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Utah. With their special brand of "reward" based training, Bart soon became the most sought after grizzly in Tinseltown. During most of his 23 years, he reveled in the spotlight starring in films like "The Edge" with Anthony Hopkins and "Legends of the Fall" with Brad Pitt. Bart even made a memorable appearance at the 1998 Academy Awards when he presented the "Best Achievement in Sound Effects Editing" alongside funnyman Mike Myers. It was soon after his Oscar appearance that he was diagnosed with cancer. In the last two years, Bart had undergone two surgeries to remove tumors from his right paw. Until recently, he didn't let his condition slow him down. Just weeks before his death, he was named spokesbear for the "Paws For A Cause" (www.cancercure.colostate.edu) national campaign to help build awareness of cancer in pets. The campaign will also continue to raise funds for a new wing to house the Animal Care Center at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. Bart's philanthro-pet activities didn't stop there. He was the ambassador of the Seus' Vital Ground Foundation (www.vitalground.org), a nonprofit organization devoted to the preservation of grizzly bear habitats. Although Bart has been laid to rest, his memory lives on. Just recently, two orphaned grizzly cubs were brought to the Seus' ranch for rehabilitation. The little boy cub has become Bart's namesake. Both he and his sister Honey are doing well and will soon have giant pawprints to fill. For more information on "Paws for a Cause"or to learn more about the Animal Cancer Center: call toll-free 1-877-4CSUVET or visit www.cancercure.colostate.edu. Contributions in Bart's memory can be made by calling 435-658-0009 or visiting www.vitalground.org. |
|