New documentary highlights legacy of Grand Teton’s grizzly 399
JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming (KIFI) — The documentary film “399 Forever” is now available on Amazon Prime Video, detailing the life and legacy of Wyoming's famous Grizzly 399.
Directed by independent filmmaker Alex Stavrou and acquired for worldwide distribution by Buffalo eight Distribution, the film examines the intersection of wildlife conservation, human development and tourism through the story of the renowned bear.
Grizzly 399 spent nearly three decades in Grand Teton National Park, where she raised 18 cubs during her lifespan. In 2020, she gained widespread attention after emerging from hibernation with quadruplets. She frequently brought her cubs near roads and developed areas around Jackson Hole, Wyo., using public spaces to protect her young from male grizzlies.
On Oct. 22, 2024, Grizzly 399 was killed in a vehicle collision south of Jackson. Her death prompted international coverage and highlighted ongoing challenges in managing grizzly bear populations alongside expanding human activity.
The documentary focuses on the community of photographers, wildlife guides, conservationists, local residents and fans who followed Grizzly 399. Wildlife photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen is among those featured in the project. “No wild animal in history has ever been so loved, by so many,” Mangelsen said.
Filmmaker Stavrou directed the project, marking his documentary directorial debut. Stavrou began filming to document Grizzly 399 during what became the final year of her life, concluding with a candlelit vigil attended by hundreds of residents following her death.
“I started making this film because I was fascinated by how one bear could captivate the human imagination,” Stavrou said. “But what I discovered was something far more profound - the immense beauty and immeasurable pain of a question conservationists have wrestled with for generations: How do we, as humans, learn to embrace the wild without endangering it?”
The documentary also includes interviews with Savannah Rose, Bo Welden, Evan Watts, Kristin Combs, Anna Knaeble, Dr. Chris Servheen and grizzly attack survivor Shayne Burke.
“399 Forever” has received Best Documentary honors at multiple film festivals and screened for more than 500 people at the Center for the Arts in Jackson Hole. Proceeds from community screenings have supported local conservation initiatives focused on reducing human-bear conflict.
Timed with the digital release, Wyoming Whiskey is releasing a second edition of its limited Queen of the Tetons whiskey bottle. Proceeds from the sales will support grizzly bear education, conservation and research efforts.
The release coincides with ongoing evaluations by federal officials regarding management policies for grizzly bears under the Endangered Species Act.
