Monarch, our grizzly bear was inspired by Monarch, the now-extinct grizzly bear subspecies, Ursus arctos californicus.
He was an 1100 pound bear ordered to be caught by a newspaper magnate and remained in captivity for 22 years while the remaining California grizzlies were being hunted to extinction. We honour Monarch today as a reminder of the role humans have played in the extinction of animals.
The name Monarch suggests a clever mind and talent to excel in creative endeavours. Grizzly Bears are known for their independence, tremendous strength and boundless courage in an ever-changing landscape in which they live.
