He Impacted Those Great and Small

Today, alongside the entire animal world, we pay our condolences for the passing of Bob Barker. As a founding donor of Global Sanctuary for Elephants, and a formidable reason we were able to receive our first residents, Maia and Guida, we will forever be indebted to his kindness. To say that Bob Barker was an inspiration is an understatement. He changed the world for the better.

I had the personal fortune of meeting Bob Barker and Nancy Burnett late one evening following the transport of three African Elephants from the Toronto Zoo to PAWS in California. We were all exhausted, me due to the exhaustive road trip, and Bob and Nancy due to the long battle to earn the elephants’ freedom and their long-awaited arrival. From our exchange of gratitude, I remember most the radiance of his smile; the joy he felt in that moment was unrivaled.

As Global Sanctuary for Elephants evolved into fruition, Bob and the DJ&T Foundation were there with us. Initially, they helped to ensure the freedom of Maia and Guida, providing a much-needed donation for the last required load of steel. As the years trudged on, they came through again and again, ensuring the completion of our first phase of development for Asian female elephants, rightfully deemed the Bob Barker Center for Asian Elephant Care.

We are grateful, not merely for his financial support, but for standing up and speaking out for animals who have remained voiceless for far too long. From his before its time anti-fur stance, his iconic “Have your pets spayed or neutered” closing line on the Price is Right, the creation of an advanced legal degree animal law program, to the many species his foundation supported throughout the years. Mr. Bob Barker, you will forever be an icon for animal welfare. We bid farewell with a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.

We wish for healing hearts for all of Mr. Barker’s family, friends, and all who follow in his footsteps to make the world a brighter place for all animals in need.

Comments(20)

Kayle Luthey says
August 26, 2023 at 3:47 pm
Such a heartfelt tribute to an amazing animal lover. Thank you.
Deb says
August 26, 2023 at 3:48 pm
Bless Mr. Barkers heart 🙏🏻. May his family find peace & comfort in what a great man he was 💝🙏🏻💔
I admired him greatly 🙏🏻
Irene says
August 26, 2023 at 3:52 pm
Very sad day indeed! Our condolences to the family, he was an amazing human being! His work to help free and support elephants and other animals will not be forgotten! 💕 His legacy will go on, and his spirit will always be with us.♥️
Tammy says
August 26, 2023 at 4:07 pm
Amen 🙏 💞
NANCY LOGAN says
August 26, 2023 at 4:21 pm
I just posted a RIP enthusing his part in Maggie (Alaska) and Iringa, Thika and Toka (a bicycle ride from my Pickering home when they were in Toronto)’s, rescue. I didn’t know you were part of the team (I taped the W5 trip – kind of useless now 🙁 ), The elephant world just keeps getting closer and closer. Wish I could go to Edmonton Oct 17 when Lek is there – putting global eyes on the disgusting Edmonton Valley Zoo and our dear Lucy.
Julie says
August 26, 2023 at 4:28 pm
Mr. Barker, you were one-of-a-kind and a beautiful animal lover. RIP, Mr Barker!
Bernadette Rey says
August 26, 2023 at 4:49 pm
There really are wonderful people in this world. I know at times it must feel like no one cares but a lot do. Thankyou GSE for everything that you do
Marsha Firman says
August 26, 2023 at 5:37 pm
Such a kind and amazing person. He will be sadly missed. RIP Mr. Barker.
Cintia Abney says
August 26, 2023 at 6:31 pm
It’s unbelievable how many rescue stories have his touch! A life lived helping so many voiceless animals! I have no doubt his soul will continue to help those in need from heaven ❤️
I am curious if he got to see or know the Sanctuary today with the bigger family living there.. I am sure he would be very content ❤️❤️
Deb moore says
August 26, 2023 at 7:06 pm
He worked to ensure that all captive animal souls were represented, supported. He was a warrior, tireless and energized to always step up when and where the situation demanded determined and compassionate outcomes. Rest in your glorious legacy, Mr Barker, so many hearts and lives left living as they should because of you.
Melinda says
August 26, 2023 at 8:03 pm
Bob Barker was such a wonderful person and a hero to animals everywhere!
Jeanine Sahulka says
August 26, 2023 at 10:56 pm
Thank you Bob Barker for helping to save elephants and all animals.❤️
Terry Silva says
August 26, 2023 at 10:59 pm
Wow. I did not know of the late Mr. Barker’s involvement with your elephant rescues. Amazing. A true example of using his fortune to make our world a much better place. We all knew his signature sign-off on the Price is Right. RIP
Charlotte Hansen says
August 26, 2023 at 11:55 pm
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to a great man! RIP Bob!
Patricia says
August 27, 2023 at 2:16 am
Beautiful! The world has lost a great soul, who gave the fullest, best meaning to the words “animal lover”. All of us who supported his work are mourning today.
Audrey says
August 27, 2023 at 6:03 am
Your tribute is beautifully worded, thank you.
Mr. Barker was truly a Hero for Elephants. I remember when he had the elephants transported from the Toronto Zoo as well. I applauded him then, because it was the right thing to do. Elephants do not need to be caged or confined in any way.
Thank you Mr. Barker, you will truly be missed.
R.I.P. Bob Barker 😢💔
Heidi says
August 27, 2023 at 1:30 pm
Thank you for this wonderful post. I didn’t know Bob Barker was so involved in working with elephants. What a fantastic legacy.
Rachel says
August 27, 2023 at 4:04 pm
Beautiful, honorable story – didn’t know Bob was involved in GSE but definitely was aware of him using his voice and energy for animals and other creatures throughout his adult life…maybe sooner. Thanks for the info and condolences to his loved ones. 💝
Terry says
August 27, 2023 at 7:41 pm
This is a beautiful tribute to a very beautiful soul. He cared so very deeply for all animals. Today I learned he was the bridge to bringing Mia and Guida to sanctuary along with all the other projects he contributed to. Now Bob can yell ” Come on up”! Rest in peace beautiful soul. Thank you!
Elke Riesterer says
August 29, 2023 at 6:59 pm
Bob Barker was a truly remarkable human being.
He is deeply missed❣️🙏 RIP

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