Help finish the story of the world’s most famous bear
Thank you for taking the time to check out the page for 399 FOREVER - an independent, feature-length documentary that follows passionate wildlife guides and photographers who have dedicated their lives to tracking, teaching, and protecting Grizzly 399, the world's most famous bear, during the final year of her life.
Grizzly 399 captivated Grand Teton National Park and the world with an unprecedented 18 cubs and millions of fans. She became the face of grizzly conservation inspiring awe, controversy, and a movement to protect the wild.
399 FOREVER is for both longtime fans of 399 and those new to her story, offering an intimate look at her impact and the urgent fight to protect her species.
But this isn't just a film about 399. It's a real-life superhero story told by some of her biggest advocates and defenders, proving that conservation is about more than just taking photos. This true, unbelievable story follows her journey from emerging from her den to becoming a social media icon, a symbol of hope, the fight for solutions like bear proof trash cans, and ultimately, a tragic example of the challenges wildlife faces today.
You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll care.
WHY THIS FILM MATTERS
This has been my passion project for over a year and a half. It was nearly complete but then tragically 399 was killed, fundamentally changing the project... but at the same time turning it into something really special. My hope is that this movie shows the joys Grizzly 399 brought to so many while highlighting the guides, photographers and environmentalists working to protect her species.
WHO'S IN THE FILM
- Bo Weldon (Jackson Hole Ecotour Adventures)
- Savannah Rose (Savannah Rose Wildlife)
- Jacob Krank (Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery)
- Evan Watt (Watt's Wildlife)
- Anna Knaeble (Jackson Hole Wild at Heart)
- Jack and Gina Bayles (Team 399)
- Sylvia Medina (Green Kids Club)
- Kevin Taylor (Teton Science School)
- Kristin Combs (Jackson Hole Bear Solutions)
- Syler Perralta Ramos (Pangea Tours)
- Mike Koshmyrl (Wyofile Environmental Reporter)
- Chris Servheen (Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator)
- Thomas Mangelsen (Mangelsen Images of Nature)
- ... And a few surprise guests!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The good news is the film nearly completed edited and nearly finished! Now with your support will directly fund the following in order to complete and release the film.
- Sound Mixing & Music – Enhancing the film’s emotional impact
- Color Grading – Bringing out the beauty of the Tetons and 399’s world
- Distribution & Festivals – Getting the film seen worldwide
- Legal & Licensing Costs – Covering necessary expenses
- Screenings for 399 Fans – Bringing people together to celebrate her story. If we can get funding there are tentative June 15th or June 22nd premiere dates in Jackson, Wyoming.
THE IMPACT
Now more than ever our national parks and grizzlies need more voices advocating for their survival. Conservation has become political, which is dangerous for wildlife. Supporting this film helps keep 399's story in the spotlight, reminding the world of what's at stake and inspiring every day actions that protect wildlife and wild places.
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP
If you can donate, it means the world to me. If not, you can still support by:
-
I made a hat! If you love 399, grab one to help support the film
- Spreading the word – Share this campaign with friends and wildlife lovers
- Contributing photos/videos – If you have a memory of 399, we’d love to feature your footage
- Consider donating to Jackson Hole Bear Solutions, a nonprofit working to install bear-proof trash cans and reduce human-bear conflicts
