Grizzly 399 Monument enters casting phase in Jackson Hole

The bronze tribute to Grizzly 399 and her four cubs has moved into casting at an Illinois foundry, with a public unveiling set for Sept. 9 at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole. Supporters can also buy into legacy programs that help fund the monument and preserve tributes tied to the bear’s story. Why it matters: - The Grizzly 399 Monument is turning a widely known wildlife story into a permanent public artwork at the front entrance of the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole. - The project is designed as both a memorial and a conservation symbol, with donor programs that tie public participation to the sculpture itself. - The monument will give visitors a place to remember Grizzly 399 and learn from her legacy for generations. What happened: - The Grizzly 399 Monument has entered the casting phase, a major step in the creation of the bronze sculpture honoring Grizzly 399 and her four cubs. - The work is underway at the Adonis Bronze Foundry, where the molds are complete and wax pouring and casting are in progress. - A public dedication ceremony and unveiling is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole. - The Sept. 9 date is a symbolic 9/9 tribute to Grizzly 399. - Wildlife photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen will give a special dedication speech. - The event is free and open to the public. - Opportunities for Jackson-area locals to meet artist Jocelyn Russell will be offered in mid-July. - Organizers are asking locals to email project.team@399monument.com to be added to the invitation list. The details: - Jocelyn Russell is creating the sculpture with contributions from Kristen Douglas-Seitz and Colleen Moore. - The donor-funded monument is being gifted to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. - The museum will permanently install the sculpture at its front entrance in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. - A behind-the-scenes video of the bronze-casting process is available. - Supporters can take part in legacy initiatives tied to the monument. - The Museum Archival Box starts at $39.99 and lets supporters contribute a message or photo for preservation. - The Queen’s Heart Initiative starts at $399 and places contributor names inside a capsule within the monument’s heart space. - The Monument Legacy Circle starts at $5,000 and provides permanent recognition on the bronze donor plaque. - All contributions support the creation, installation and long-term stewardship of the monument. - Donations are tax-deductible through Angels Without Wings, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. - More information is available in the fundraising page . - Additional images and videos are available at 399monument.com. Between the lines: - The project is using public art, donor recognition and symbolic timing to build a broader community around Grizzly 399’s legacy. - The memorial’s structure suggests the campaign is as much about participation and preservation as it is about the finished sculpture. - Grizzly 399’s fame gives the monument reach beyond Jackson Hole and into the broader Greater Yellowstone conservation conversation. - Russell framed the project as a tribute to the bear’s strength, motherhood and the public’s emotional connection to her. What’s next: - The casting work will continue as the monument moves toward completion. - Organizers expect additional local meet-the-artist opportunities in mid-July. - The public unveiling on Sept. 9 will mark the monument’s formal debut. - The sculpture will then be permanently installed at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. - Supporters can still join the legacy programs before the project is finalized. The bottom line: - Grizzly 399’s story is being transformed into a lasting bronze landmark, with a public dedication, donor participation and a permanent museum home all set for 2026.