Memorials

Memorials

Bears Forever in Our Hearts

BRUTUS

Brutus, the inaugural rescue and the catalyst behind the creation of Montana Grizzly Encounter, started the sanctuary's narrative in 2002 as a mere two-week-old cub, approximately the size of a squirrel. His journey began when he was rescued from an unethical breeding program, and, at that time, the sanctuary had yet to be constructed — it was, in essence, built around the needs of Brutus.


Under the care of his new parents, Ami and Casey, it became evident that Brutus was no ordinary bear. Basking in attention, he thrived on showcasing his charisma, particularly in front of cameras. This penchant for the spotlight led to Brutus featuring in numerous educational videos and acting roles in five movies. (Iron Ridge, Mt. Molehill, Discovering America, Pretty Ugly People, and Walking Out) Perhaps most notably, he co-hosted Expedition Wild alongside his dad, Casey Anderson, serving as a wildlife ambassador for his wild counterparts.


Tragically, Brutus's unexpected passing occurred at the age of 19. Displaying signs of arthritis and mobility issues, he was taken to Washington State University for diagnostic tests. Regrettably, Brutus did not regain consciousness after the testing. While his departure left a profound impact on everyone involved, his legacy endures through the other rescue bears and the ongoing educational initiatives. None of this would have been possible without a Bear named Brutus

SHEENA and CHRISTI

Born in captivity in 1986 and auctioned off shortly thereafter, Sheena and Christi found themselves under the ownership of private individuals in Texas, who initially harbored plans for them. However, when these aspirations crumbled, the two were confined to a restrictive 4’x4’x6’ cage for a prolonged 15-year period. In the subsequent three years, Sheena remained within the confines of the cage, while Christi endured the same timeframe in a small, windowless cargo trailer.


At 18 years old, the USDA intervened, giving the owners a choice: find a new home for the girls or euthanize them. Thankfully, USDA reached out to Montana Grizzly Encounter. A lengthy journey from eastern Texas to Montana marked the beginning of Sheena and Christi's healing process. Malnourished and with atrophied muscles, they faced the challenge of adapting to ample space and a proper diet.

Overcoming their fear of large spaces, Sheena and Christi first adjusted to their indoor dens before venturing into the vast open habitat. Initially intimidated, they found encouragement from 2 year-old Brutus, the first rescue bear at Montana Grizzly Encounter. With time, they embraced their newfound freedom, running, playing, and swimming in ponds for the first time.


Christi, after enjoying a wonderful 5 years at Montana Grizzly Encounter, succumbed to leukemia at 23. She is fondly remembered and deeply missed.


Sheena thrived for an additional 19 years at Montana Grizzly Encounter, she reached the remarkable age of 37 before her passing. Undoubtedly the matriarch of the sanctuary, she spent most of her time with Brutus. Despite being a third of his size, she confidently asserted her dominance, playfully bossing him around in their unique camaraderie.


JAKE

Jake, born in captivity in 2006 at a wildlife park in Georgia, and his companion Maggi faced an uncertain future when the park they were born at could no longer care for them. Fortunately, Wildlife Safari in Oregon stepped in to rescue them. However, their situation remained precarious, as, at just six months old, they couldn't be placed with adult bears due to safety concerns. Despite nearly two years of fundraising, the funds necessary to build a new habitat were still lacking. In response, the USDA mandated that Wildlife Safari either find a new home for Jake and Maggi or euthanize them. Montana Grizzly Encounter answered the call, and at the end of 2008, Jake and Maggi found refuge in their new home.


Thriving at MGE, Jake and Maggi often ventured into their habitat together, displaying a remarkable bond that resembled that of close siblings. Jake, an incredibly photogenic bear, had a sleek and handsome appearance, always ready for the camera. His love for posing brought joy to visitors.


In 2018, Jake developed degenerative spinal myelopathy, leading to mobility issues. He enjoyed a happy life at Montana Grizzly Encounter until his passing at 13. Fondly remembered, Jake's enduring impact is felt every day at MGE.

luCY

Lucy was born in the wilds of Alaska in 2011. Tragically, at around four months old, she found herself orphaned near Angoon. It was First Sergeant Charles Hartzell who discovered her in a dire state—malnourished and on the brink of starvation. Acting swiftly, he organized a float plane to transport Lucy to the Fortress of the Bear, a bear rescue and sanctuary in Sitka, Alaska. Under their expert care, Lucy thrived, and her permanent home was eventually found at Montana Grizzly Encounter (MGE).


With the generous support of a donated flight by LightHawk, MGE was able to bring Lucy to her new home from Sitka. At MGE, Lucy discovered safety and love. As she grew, she had the joy of meeting Brutus the Bear, her one true love. Their relationship began with a warm bear hug, and their affection for each other was evident in every interaction.


However, Lucy's happiness was cut short when she had a seizure. To investigate the cause, she was taken to Washington State University for an MRI, revealing a heartbreaking diagnosis—a large brain tumor. Lucy, just a week after celebrating her third birthday, passed away. It's suspected that the tumor might have been present from birth, most likely contributing to the circumstances that led to her orphanhood. Cherished during her three years at MGE, Lucy lives on in our hearts.

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