Support Our Wildlife on Balto’s Day of Giving
In honor of Balto’s birthday, help us raise $30,000 for new wildlife-enrichment items.
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 Day of Giving. Your gift will support the Museum’s wildlife-enrichment efforts and help us reach our goal of raising $30,000.
Our furred, finned, scaled, and feathered ambassadors aren’t exactly party animals, but they do like to have a good time. That’s why we’re taking our animal-enrichment efforts to the next level by purchasing a brand-new collection of enrichment items.
Not only will your contribution on Balto’s Day of Giving help us better care for our wildlife, but every donation will be matched dollar for dollar by the Hanes Family Foundation up to our goal of $30,000.
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Why does your gift matter? Every donation helps us procure more items on
BALTO’S BIRTHDAY WISHLIST:
Interactive Enrichment Items
Made from durable, nontoxic materials, these items are built to withstand even the toughest conditions while keeping animals safe, happy, and healthy. The KONG Zoo and Boomer Ball lines have a diverse selection of items, all designed to accommodate the individual needs of each species.
Environmental Accessories
Though simple to source, real boulders and logs aren’t exactly practical to move around. Instead, we’re looking to purchase faux accessories that mimic each species’ natural environment for use in its enclosure. These items are simple to move, clean, and maintain, providing our animal ambassadors with long-lasting enrichment.
Sensory Tools
Some animals go wild for certain scents while others perk up with a tasty treat. The wish list is filled with items that will help us offer novel experiences for all five senses that are safe and healthy for our animal ambassadors.
Cognitive Objects
Cognitive objects are essential tools for keeping our animal ambassadors’ minds occupied. Puzzle feeders and obstacle structures encourage problem solving, while objects that the animals can manipulate provide mentally stimulating experiences.
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ABOUT ANIMAL ENRICHMENT
Animal enrichment is a behavioral technique that provides animals with a fun, stimulating life that mimics to some extent what they’d experience in the wild. Enrichment comes in many forms, such as interesting scents and sounds, tasty treats, and interactive items. By providing our inhabitants with activities tailored to their needs, we can boost the physical health and mental well-being of our animals.
Proceeds from this drive will help the Museum purchase new enrichment items that are designed with nature in mind. Please help us reach our goal of raising $30,000 toward this effort during our Balto’s Birthday Bash Giving Day on March 31, 2021.
THE STORY OF BALTO AND 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.
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