Animal actor Bart the Bear II has sadly passed away at the age of 21.
Bart the Bear II was known for his roles in television shows such as Game of Thrones, Scrubs, and CSI, as well as movies like We Bought A Zoo, Into The Wild, Dr. Dolittle 2, and Without A Paddle.
The beloved bear was also an ambassador for the Vital Ground Foundation, a grizzly bear habitat conservation group that revealed the sad news in an obituary for Bart.
Penned by Vital Ground co-founders Doug and Lynne Seus, the tribute revealed how the 1,400lb bear's "spirit lifted silently and naturally from the banks of Daniel Creek, Utah," earlier this week. In an additional Instagram post, it was revealed that Bart the Bear II had suffered a decline in his health earlier this year.
"Bart lived a supremely outsized life filled with the love and care of his trainers and lifelong companions, Vital Ground co-founders Doug and Lynne Seus," the Instagram post added.
Detailing Bart's heartbreaking start in life, the obituary added: "Bart and his sister, Honey Bump, were orphaned in the Wrangell Mountains of Alaska. Their mother had been killed by a hunter."
After being rescued, they were soon introduced to the Seus Family, during a time when their first ambassador, the original Big Bart the Bear, was dying of cancer. When "Little Bart" was fully grown, he became Bart the Bear II.
"He was destined to continue the mission of his namesake and became the ambassador for The Vital Ground Foundation," the Seus family writes.
Writing on Instagram, the Seus family added: "We know that many of you discovered Vital Ground and our conservation mission through Bart II and his predecessor, Bart the Bear. Whether his mighty presence captured you through film or in person, we are grateful for your connection to grizzlies and for Bart’s life and legacy as a conservation ambassador for his wild cousins."
After sharing the heartbreaking news, many of Bart's fans took the opportunity to share their thoughts on the late star.
"Beautiful Bart had an amazing life and so much love from Doug and Lynn. So sorry to hear of his passing. He will be remembered for always," one Instagram user wrote.
A second added: "I'll never forget seeing him in person. What a magnificent ambassador and creature of God. Prayers to you Doug and Lynn Seus."
Vital Ground also revealed that Doug and Lynne are still taking care of Bart’s sister, Honey Bump, and another bear named Tank.
Our thoughts are with the Seus family, and Bart the Bear II's fans.