A Reason to Celebrate!

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is throwing a birthday bash for Balto, the beloved sled dog. With virtual events featuring dog-training pros, a Balto historian extraordinaire, an Iditarod veterinarian, and experts from the Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters and Museum, this party is one you won’t want to miss!

In honor of Balto’s birthday, we’re sharing the love with his wild neighbors in the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden—Presented by KeyBank. On March 31, 2021, join us for Balto’s Birthday Bash Giving Day. Make a gift in support of the Museum’s wildlife enrichment efforts and help us reach our goal of raising $30,000.
 
As we face our own modern-day public-health emergency, we look to Balto for inspiration and celebrate his courage, loyalty, and strength in the face of danger. Cheers to Balto!
 

Calendar of Events

Dog Enrichment Balto-style: A Training Workshop for Your Canine by Lake Erie Dogs

Included with general admission
 

THE STORY OF THE HERO DOGS OF ALASKA

Nearly 100 years ago, in 1925, an outbreak of diphtheria struck the town of Nome, Alaska. Balto and his fellow sled dogs raced through treacherous conditions to deliver lifesaving antitoxin to the children of Nome. We call this historic feat of endurance the Serum Run. 
 
After the success of the Serum Run, Balto and the rest of the team spent time on the vaudeville circuit. Eventually ending up in a “dime” museum on the West Coast, the hero huskies suffered mistreatment and illness. Cleveland businessman George Kimble was outraged at their condition and campaigned to bring the canines home with him. 
 
Kimble established a “Balto Fund,” and the people of Cleveland generously rallied to the cause. Schoolchildren collected coins in buckets; factory workers passed their hats; and hotels, stores, and visitors donated what they could to the Balto Fund. The Western Reserve Kennel Club gave a much-needed financial boost. In just 10 days, the community raised the funds for the dogs’ purchase and safe transport. 
 
On March 19, 1927, Balto and his six remaining companions were brought to Cleveland and given a hero's welcome in a triumphant parade through Public Square. The dogs lived out the rest of their lives in dignity at the Brookside Zoo (now the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo). Balto died on March 14, 1933, at the age of 14. The husky's body was mounted and is now housed at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
 
Balto is known and loved around the world, and preserving his legacy is a duty the Museum takes very seriously. Today at the Museum, research on Balto and related artifacts is ongoing. We also share his story far and wide through educational programs, public events, and other outreach initiatives. 
 
The high stakes of the COVID-19 pandemic have brought new meaning to Balto’s brave mission. We continue to honor his legacy as we tackle this crisis together.