JACKSON, Wyo. — For over two decades, Grizzly 399 was the heartbeat of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Her presence on the landscape taught us about resilience, motherhood, and the delicate balance of coexistence. To ensure her legacy is permanently etched into the history of Jackson Hole, the 399 Monument Team is honored to announce the permanent home and upcoming dedication of a world-class heroic size monument (standing 8’5 feet tall), celebrating her iconic 2020 debut of her “quad” cubs.
The monument will be prominently installed at the main entrance to the prestigious National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) and will be wheelchair accessible. As a gateway to Grand Teton National Park, the NMWA is the perfect sanctuary for this tribute, offering a place where locals and visitors from around the world can gather to reflect on the wild spirit of the region.
Save the date: September 9
The community is warmly invited to attend the official dedication ceremony:
Date: September 9 (9/9)
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Main Entrance, National Museum of Wildlife Art
Admission: Free and open to the public
This dedication will be a celebration of 399’s life, the cubs she raised, and the incredible community of wildlife photographers and advocates who championed her journey.
Progress and Community Support
Bringing a project of this scale to life requires a village. Thanks to the incredible generosity of early donors and wildlife enthusiasts, the design and site-planning phases are complete, and the monument is actively becoming a reality.
To help finalize the installation and ensure the long-term care of the site, the 399 Monument Team is welcoming final contributions to the project. For those who would like to play a part in bringing this vision to the finish line, gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. More than anything, the 399 Monument Team wants this monument to reflect the collective gratitude of the Jackson Hole community.
Upcoming Community Events in July
The public is invited to join the 399 Monument Team for two special events in Jackson Hole this July.
On July 10 from 6 to 8 p.m., guests can attend an Artist Meet & Greet and Wine Tasting at Jackson Hole Winery. Attendance is limited to 30 guests. A tax-deductible donation of $100 per person is requested to secure a reservation. The Grizzly 399 Monument is a gift to the museum and your proceeds will support her completion and installation. As a special thank-you, guests will have the opportunity to include a personal 5×7 photo, note, or message in the monument’s archival box, which will be preserved as part of the project’s permanent legacy. To reserve a spot, please email project.team@399monument.com
On July 11 from 4 to 6 p.m., the team will host a community gathering at the Tram Dock Restaurant at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. RSVPs are appreciated but not required and can be sent to project.team@399monument.com
At both events, renowned wildlife sculptor Jocelyn Russell will share the story behind the creation of the Grizzly 399 Monument, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process and an update on the project’s progress toward installation and dedication. She will also have a fully detailed resin maquette of the monument on display, along with Grizzly 399’s original clay face and paws sculpted at nearly twice life size.
As we work to fully fund this historic tribute, further foundational support is welcome, and donors could even be permanently recognized on the dedication plaque!
Get Involved Today
Grizzly 399 connected people from all walks of life, and the goal is for her monument to do the same. Here are ways to participate:
Attend an Event: Join us this July in Jackson Hole or at the public dedication on September 9, 2026
Share Memories: Follow project updates online and share favorite photos and stories of 399 using the hashtag #399Monument.
Support the Project: Visit the monument’s website to view design renderings or to make a contribution toward the final installation costs.
Let’s gather to celebrate a legacy that will inspire conservationists for generations to come. To learn more or support the monument, please visit www.399monument.com.
