Steven Wise (1950–2024), legal scholar and animal rights advocate

Steven Wise was a legal scholar, educator, and fierce proponent of animal rights who founded the Nonhuman Rights Project.

Bob Barker (1923–2023), longtime host of The Price Is Right

Bob Barker was the Emmy Award-winning host of the long-running game show “The Price Is Right.”

Roy Horn (1944–2020) of Siegfried & Roy, tiger-wrangling magician

Roy Horn was an internationally renowned illusionist whose duo with Siegfried Fischbacher, famed for sharing the stage with lions and tigers, was the most popular show in Las Vegas for more than a decade.

Grumpy Cat (2019), internet sensation

The cat with the scowl was loved by millions.

Doris Day (1922–2019), legendary actress and singer

She was a symbol of innocence and wholesomeness as she starred in popular movies of the 1950s and '60s.

Jim Fowler (1932–2019), longtime host of “Wild Kingdom”

Jim Fowler aught millions about wildlife on the television series "Wild Kingdom."

This Therapy Dog Works in a Funeral Home

"Ally" the goldendoodle is trained to comfort people as they grieve.

Mary Oliver (1935–2019), Pulitzer Prize-winning poet

Beloved poet wrote about nature.

Koko the Gorilla (1971–2018), shared her life through sign language

If ever there was a living being who inspired a lot of people to think more of the inner lives of animals, it was Koko, the gorilla who used sign language. She died in her sleep Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at the age of 46, the Gorilla Foundation announced in a press release late Wednesday night.

Tom Flynn, the Man Behind "America's Cemetery"

Tom Flynn, the founder of America's Cemetery, who was honored with the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association's 2018 Lasting Impact Award , died June 18 after a battle with cancer.

Penny Chenery (1922–2017), owner of Triple Crown champion Secretariat

The first female president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders' Association.

George Rabb (1930–2017), visionary zoo director

Former zoo director spearheaded conservation efforts.

Can You Bury Your Pet With You After You Die?

It is possible in some places to have your pet with you for eternity.

JJ the Hospice Therapy Dog Lends a Helping Paw

Dogs can provide comfort to hospice patients and their families, or even to people who are grieving at funerals.

Frank Chapot (1932 - 2016), Olympic equestrian

Frank Chapot, an equestrian who won two silver medals in six Olympics, died June 20, 2016, at an assisted living center in New Jersey. He was 84. The Show Jumping Hall of Fame announced the death, noting that he was under care for Alzheimer's disease. Chapot was born Feb. 24, 1932, in Camden, New Jersey. He married the former Mary Mairs, a fellow equestrian, in 1965. They performed together at the 1964 and 1968 Olympics as a mixed jumping team, though never winning a medal. Chapot, who competed in the Olympics from 1956 to 1976, won two Olympic silver medals riding Gem Twist. In 1990, the horse was named world’s best horse at the World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, Sweden. He also coached the U.S. equestrian team when it won its first gold medal at the 1984 Olympics. Chapot’s team won a silver medal four years later.

How To Comfort When a Pet Dies

Your support of someone mourning a beloved pet can positively impact their healing.

A Hospice Patient and Her Cat

How an Internet community came together to help a hospice patient.

Dying Woman Says Goodbye to Beloved Horse

The bond between humans and animals can be a strong, lifelong connection. This was certainly the case for Sheila Marsh and her horse, Bronwen.

The Legend of Grey Owl

The life and legend of the Canadian wildlife advocate known as Grey Owl.

A Starr Birder Takes Flight

Starr Saphir was a familiar sight in Central Park where, for the past 30 years, she guided bird watchers.

The Pain of Losing a Pet

For many of us, our circle of loved ones is not limited to humans. Often, we love our cats, dogs, rabbits, or even lizards as intensely as we do our dearest human companions. Our beloved animals are fast friends and feel like part of the family. When my children tally who's in our family, the list always includes the 4 girls and 3 boys who live in our house. That two of the girls and one of the boys use the litter box rather than the toilet is irrelevant.

Dian Fossey, Friend of Gorillas

Dian Fossey would have turned 80 today. We remember the woman who spent her life fighting to save gorillas.

Theatre, Ballet, and... Gorillas?

Pat Hart was a celebrated Chicago costume designer, as well as a friend to gorillas...

Dusan Saula, Uncommon Lover of Animals

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette obituary for Dusan Saula details his love for animals – and the unusual way he saved a chipmunk’s life.

Aldo Leopold's Wilderness

Pioneering conservationist Aldo Leopold advocated ecologically responsible land management before it was cool.

Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter

If there's anyone who truly lived their dream to the fullest, it's got to be Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin.