December 27, 2012
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Eco News Network presents our favorite eco-celeb of the week. We love seeing what celebrities are up to, and that doesn’t mean when it comes to movies, television or music albums, but with how they’re giving back to the planet. This week, legendary game show host Bob Barker caught our eye for his years of conservationism. Check out how he protects Mother Earth.
“Come on down!” Do you recognize that famous quote? It’s probably one of the most well-known catch phrases in history and all because of Bob Barker, host of “The Price is Right” for 35 years.
The game show host isn’t just known for his hosting abilities, but also for his love of animals. After all, at the end of every episode he said, “Have your pet spayed or neutered,” showing care for the animal population.
It takes more than words to actually benefit animals, and that was and still is never a problem for Barker.
Just this past November, he donated $250,000 to the Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, after the founder asked him to only donate $5,000 for an avian ventilator.
“Following up on a funding request from WRR for $5,000 for an avian ventilator, Mr. Barker placed a personal phone call to Lynn during which he mentioned that he had done a little research and found nothing but praise for our organization and our work with animals. He then said he was sending $250,000 to support the purchase of the ventilator as well as many other things he knows we need for all the animals we rescue,” the organization reported on Facebook.
His animal duties don’t stop there, as he supports the Sea Shepherd Conservation society, saving monkeys and speaking out against events like the Calgary Stampede.
Barker, alongside “CSI” actress Jorja Fox, was also honored at the Hollywood “Lion Ark Night” event in October 2012 by Animal Defenders International for his animal activism.
Some haven’t always supported Barker’s animal passion. For example, during the 40th Anniversary “Price is Right” special, he was not asked to attend.
In an interview with EW.com, Barker felt he was ignored for speaking out against the show’s choice to give away harmful animal gifts, like a trip to the Calgary Stampede.
If this was or wasn’t the case, as Barker said, “When you celebrate a 40th anniversary, you would think you’d have the fellow who did the show for 35 years there.”
Pushing all bitterness aside, it’s important to remember each cause Barker has supported.
Furthermore, Barker is also vegetarian and spoke with the Vegetarian Times about his plant-based diet, “I’ve been a vegetarian for about 35 years. My wife, Dorothy Jo, preceded me in becoming a vegetarian. She fixed beautiful dishes that I ate. Gradually I became a vegetarian too. I owe it to her, and I thank her for it, because I think it has really improved my life. I am a staunch believer in it.
“I became a vegetarian out of concern for animals, and I was a vegetarian for a very long time before I realized that many people become vegetarians out of concern for their health. I think they are absolutely right. I think it is the healthiest way to live.”
Barker’s activism has shown brightly for years and years. At 89-years-old, it sure doesn’t seem like he’ll stop anytime soon.
-Allyson Koerner
Photo Credit: Wikimedia/laksge
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.