Bob was extremely generous with his time, knowledge, and his resources. Who else could make arrangements with the U.S. Air Force to airlift an adult African elephant named Maggie (pictured) out of Alaska to our sanctuary, and then pick up the tab?
He was always there when the animals needed him, whether it was awaiting the arrival of elephants from Canada or funding the Bob Barker Bear Habitat at the ARK 2000 sanctuary.
Bob often gave testimony on behalf of animals before governing bodies, including in Sacramento, Anchorage, Los Angeles, Canada, and Washington D.C. He was extremely effective. The rooms were always packed with people wanting to hear and see Bob Barker.
News reporters didn’t expect the high level of expertise Bob displayed in interviews. He spoke expertly on any animal issue he addressed. He was entertaining, but also one of the toughest negotiators I’ve ever seen behind closed doors.
I have spent time with celebrities over the years, but nobody elicited people’s love like Bob Barker. When PAWS co-founder, the late Pat Derby, and I expressed how beloved he was by everyone, he once quipped, “Of course, I give 'em all brand new refrigerators everyday!”
Bob’s generous nature extended to his fans, who often approached him when he was in public. He would gladly take pictures and sign autographs. I can’t remember how many times someone yelled, “Bob Barker, come on down!”
An authentic animal advocate, Bob left lucrative television jobs such as the Miss America Pageant because the show featured fur coats. His send-off at the end of every The Price is Right show for decades was to spay and neuter your pets. He literally changed the public’s perception of pet overpopulation for the benefit of companion animals everywhere.
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