Perhaps the Last Bears at Big Trees

In 1919, film star Nell Shipman and a party of actors visited the Big Trees, now Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, on their way to Seattle. She had recently starred in "God's Country and the Woman" and "Back to God's Country" both of which were a huge success.

The Sentinel reported that "the party was traveling in two [railway] cars and two bear cubs accompany them."

Not just an actress, Nell Shipman was also a director, screenwriter, producer, and animal advocate. She spoke out against animal cruelty and rescued animals from abuse. Many of these appeared in her movies. She eventually owned a zoo that contained over 200 animals. Unfortunately, a movie venture failed and the animals were acquired by a creditor. Eventually, forty animals including four bears were donated to San Diego Zoo. Nell is pictured here feeding one of her bears. 

Nell Shipman feeding one of her bears, courtesy
Priest Lake Historical Photograph Collection, University of Idaho.

More information on Nell Shipman can be found at Archives West, Nell Shipman Papers (1912-1970) HERE.