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{{Short description|Siberian husky and sled dog (1919–1933)}}
{{good article}}
{{About|the sled dog|the 1995 animated film|Balto (film)|the city|Baltimore}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox animal|name=Balto|species=''[[Canis lupus familiaris]]''|breed=[[Siberian husky]]|gender=Male|birth_date={{birth date text|1919}}|birth_place=[[Nome, Alaska|Nome]], [[Territory of Alaska]]|death_date={{death date and age|1933|3|14|1919}}|death_place=[[Cleveland, Ohio]], United States|resting_place=[[Cleveland Museum of Natural History]]|resting_place_coordinates={{coord|41|30|42.22|N|81|36|47.57|W}}|nationality=United States of America (Territory of Alaska)|occupation=[[Sled dog]]|known=[[1925 serum run to Nome]]|owner=[[Gunnar Kaasen]]|appearance=Black with white "socks", "bib", and partial white markings on belly and tip of the muzzle, which advanced with age (including white markings around the eyes when he was old). Eyes were dark brown.|namedafter=[[Samuel Balto]]|image=Balto 1925 (cropped).jpg|alt=Balto, a black Alaskan husky, poses while sitting on a sofa, his white feet placed on the sofa's armrest. His face is looking directly in front of the camera.|image caption=Balto, {{circa|1925}}.|image_upright=1}}
'''Balto''' ({{Circa|1919}} – March 14, 1933) was a [[Siberian Husky]] and sled dog belonging to [[musher]] and breeder [[Leonhard Seppala]].{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|p=138}} He achieved fame when he was part of a team of sled dogs driven by [[Gunnar Kaasen]] on the final leg of the [[1925 serum run to Nome]], in which [[diphtheria]] [[antitoxin]] was transported from [[Anchorage, Alaska]], to [[Nenana, Alaska]], by train and then to [[Nome, Alaska|Nome]] by [[dog sled]] to combat an outbreak of the disease. Credited as the leader of the team, Balto's [[celebrity]] status, and that of Kaasen's, resulted in a [[two-reel]] motion picture, a [[Statue of Balto|statue]] in [[Central Park]], and a nationwide tour on the [[vaudeville]] circuit.

A falling out between Seppala and Kaasen resulted in Balto and his teammates being sold under disputed circumstances to a [[traveling circus]] operator and ultimately housed in squalor at a [[dime museum]] in [[Los Angeles]]. When news stories emerged in February 1927 about his poor living conditions, a two-week [[fundraising]] effort in [[Cleveland, Ohio]], led to the successful purchase of Balto and his team by the citizenry of Cleveland. Balto lived in ease at the [[Cleveland Zoo]] until his death on March 14, 1933, at the age of 14; his body was subsequently [[Taxidermy|mounted]] and displayed in the [[Cleveland Museum of Natural History]], where it remains to this day. While the subject of numerous cultural depictions and homages, including [[Balto (film)|a 1995 animated film]], Balto's role in the serum run remains controversial as contemporary media coverage focused almost entirely on him over the efforts of the other mushers and dogs—most notably, Seppala and his lead dog [[Togo (dog)|Togo]]—and has more recently undergone historical reappraisals.

== Life ==
=== Early years ===
Little is known about Balto's early years.{{r|PlainD20150118p31}} Balto's birth year is commonly recognized as 1919, in [[Nome, Alaska]], at the kennels of [[Leonhard Seppala]], a native [[Norwegians|Norwegian]], [[sled dog]] breeder, musher and competitive racer.{{r|p808|l575}} He was named after [[Samuel Balto]], a [[Sámi peoples|Sámi]] who was part of [[Fridtjof Nansen]]'s exploration of [[Greenland]] in 1888,{{sfn|Ricker|1930|p=281}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Grønnbech |first=Dagrun |date=March 18, 2015 |title=Balto – bare en hund? |trans-title=Balto – Just a Dog? |url=http://urn.nb.no/URN:NBN:no-nb_digavis_helgelandsblad_null_null_20150318_112_33_1?page=33 |access-date=October 1, 2024 |work=[[Helgelands Blad]] |pages=34–35 |language=Norwegian Bokmål |via=[[National Library of Norway]] |volume=112 |issue=33 |quote=Hunden Balto var for øvrig oppkalt etter Samuel Balto [...] som i 1888 var med Fridtjof Nansen på ski over Grønland[.] |trans-quote=Incidentally, Balto the dog was named after Samuel Balto [...] who in 1888 skied with Fridtjof Nansen across Greenland[.]}}</ref> and whom Seppala admired.{{Efn|Samuel's name has also been rendered as "Lapp Baltow"{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|p=138}} or "Lapp Balton".{{r|Juneau19250203p1}}}} No birth records were kept for Balto or his litter as his body type did not align with other racing huskies that Seppala was breeding. The only evidence of Balto's birth year came from later interviews with Seppala.{{r|l575}} With a largely black fur coat, Balto had a small, stocky build, unique for a Siberian husky.{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|p=187}}

Believing Balto to be "second rate"{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|p=218}} and not holding much potential, Seppala [[neutered]] him at six months of age.{{r|v458}} He considered him a "scrub dog",{{r|k715}} unable to run as fast as his other dogs,{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|p=138}} who were derisively called "Siberian rats" by mushers against whom Seppala competed.{{r|NG20200519}} Seppala claimed in his memoir to have "given [Balto] every chance" to ride with his primary sled dog team "but could not qualify";{{sfn|Ricker|1930|p=281}} thus, Balto was relegated to haul freight and large cargo for short runs and was part of a team that pulled [[railcar]]s with miners over a [[Abandoned railway|disused railroad]].{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|p=55}} [[Gunnar Kaasen]],{{Efn|Also spelled as "Kasson".{{r|Juneau19250203p1}}}} another native Norwegian and a close family friend of Seppala{{r|v458}} with 21 years' dog sledding experience, came to know Balto through his work at Seppala's mining company.{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|p=218}}{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|pp=137–138}} Kaasen believed Seppala misjudged Balto's potential and that the dog's short stature could allow him to be more strong and steady.{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|p=138}}

=== The serum run ===
{{Main article|1925 serum run to Nome}}

In January 1925, doctors realized that a potentially deadly [[diphtheria]] [[epidemic]] was poised to sweep through the young people of [[Nome, Alaska]],<ref name="Juneau19250127p8">{{Cite news |date=January 27, 1925 |title=Ten Diphtheria Cases at Nome; Four Are Dead |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/juneau-empire-ten-diphtheria-cases-at-n/145556089/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=Juneau Empire |location=Juneau, Alaska |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731063936/https://www.newspapers.com/article/juneau-empire-ten-diphtheria-cases-at-n/145556089/ |url-status=live }}</ref> placing the city under [[quarantine]].<ref name="Boston19250128p13">{{Cite news |date=January 28, 1925 |title=Stricken City of Nome Is Under Quarantine |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-stricken-city-of-nome/145559994/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=The Boston Globe |location=Boston, Massachusetts |page=13 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731064022/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-stricken-city-of-nome/145559994/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Dr. Curtis Welch, the primary physician in Nome, transmitted via [[Morse code]] that the town's existing [[Diphtheria antitoxin|serum]], which was over six years old, was being depleted. Additional serum was made available in [[Anchorage, Alaska|Anchorage]], but the territory's only two usable aircraft had open [[cockpit]]s and were thus grounded for the winter.<ref name="h682">{{cite web |last=Thomas Jr. |first=Robert McG. |author-link=Robert McG. Thomas Jr. |date=January 24, 1999 |title=Edgar Nollner, 94, Dies; Hero in Epidemic |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/24/nyregion/edgar-nollner-94-dies-hero-in-epidemic.html |access-date=August 14, 2024 |website=The New York Times |page=41:1 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819045537/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/24/nyregion/edgar-nollner-94-dies-hero-in-epidemic.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After considering all the alternatives, officials decided to have the serum ferried via multiple [[dog sled]] teams<ref name="Evenin19250129p1">{{Cite news |date=January 29, 1925 |title=Old Serum Is Used in Nome Epidemic: Anti-Toxin of Five Years Ago Aids in Stopping Diphtheria Sweep |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-star-old-serum-is-used-in-nome/145560981/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=Evening Star |location=Washington, D.C. |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731063936/https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-star-old-serum-is-used-in-nome/145560981/ |url-status=live }}</ref> over the "[[Iditarod Trail|Seward-to-Nome Trail]]".{{r|PlainD19850127p168}} The serum was transported by train from Anchorage to [[Nenana, Alaska|Nenana]], where the first [[Mushing|musher]] embarked as part of a {{Convert|674|mi|km|adj=on}} relay.<ref name="NewsTr19250129p22">{{Cite news |date=January 29, 1925 |title=Dog Teams in Race with Death in Far North |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-tribune-dog-teams-in-race-with/145560885/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=The News Tribune |location=Tacoma, Washington |page=22 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731063937/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-tribune-dog-teams-in-race-with/145560885/ |url-status=live }}</ref> More than 20 mushers took part, facing a [[blizzard]] with {{cvt|−23|F|C}} temperatures and strong winds. Originally projected to arrive in Nome by February 6,<ref name="Boston19250130p14">{{Cite news |date=January 30, 1925 |title=Twenty Pounds Will Reach Nome Feb 6 |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-twenty-pounds-will-rea/145561354/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=The Boston Globe |location=Boston, Massachusetts |page=14 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> the date was moved up several times as the teams repeatedly broke land speed records.<ref name="IdahoS19250201p1">{{Cite news |date=February 1, 1925 |title=Seppalla's Dogs, Carrying Serum, in Homestretch: Crack Dog Driver Reported Nearing Bering Sea; Expected to Reach Nome Saturday Night With Anti-Toxin |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-seppallas-dogs-ca/145562640/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=The Idaho Statesman |location=Boise, Idaho |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511014121/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-seppallas-dogs-ca/145562640/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Dayton19250131p1">{{Cite news |date=January 31, 1925 |title=Canine Teams Are Near Nome with Anti-Toxin: Seppalla, Riding Behind Picked Dogs, May Save Diphtheria Victims |url=https://newspapers.com/article/dayton-daily-news-canine-teams-are-near/145562023/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=Dayton Daily News |location=Dayton, Ohio |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819045540/https://www.newspapers.com/article/dayton-daily-news-canine-teams-are-near/145562023/ |url-status=live }}</ref> News coverage of the event, in particular the hazards posed to the dogs and the leaders,{{r|Boston19250130p14}}<ref name="Juneau19250202p1">{{Cite news |date=February 2, 1925 |title=Antitoxin Dog Carriers Held Up by Storms |url=https://newspapers.com/article/juneau-empire-antitoxin-dog-carriers-he/145556708/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=Juneau Empire |location=Juneau, Alaska |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731063956/https://www.newspapers.com/article/juneau-empire-antitoxin-dog-carriers-he/145556708/ |url-status=live }}</ref> was relayed worldwide; newspaper headlines read; "Relief Nears Nome!",<ref name="Seattl19250130p2">{{Cite news |date=January 30, 1925 |title=Relief Nears Nome! |url=https://newspapers.com/article/seattle-union-record-relief-nears-nome/145561452/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=Seattle Union Record |location=Seattle, Washington |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=International News Service}}</ref> "Dog Teams in Race with Death in Far North"{{r|NewsTr19250129p22}} and "Seppalla&nbsp;... May Save Diphtheria Victims".{{r|Dayton19250131p1}}

[[File:Gunnar Kaasen with Balto.jpg|alt=Gunnar Kaasen crouched down next to Balto, a black Siberian husky with white markings on both his chest and feet. Behind them is a brick building with a wooden door supported by wrought iron.|thumb|[[Gunnar Kaasen]] with Balto, {{Circa|February 1925}}|175x175px]]

As the serum run progressed, additional teams were recruited{{Sfn|Schilp|2019|p=66}} as Alaskan governor [[Scott Cordelle Bone]] worried about Seppala's team experiencing fatigue.{{r|v458}} Kaasen was appointed to drive a team of Seppala's dogs originally set aside for company business during the run,{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|p=65}} with Fox chosen by Seppala as the leader.{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|p=187}} Kaasen, however, chose Balto to co-lead alongside Fox,{{efn|Other records claim Kaasen chose Balto "unhesitatingly" to lead his team, even allowing Balto to room with him in the [[roadhouse (premises)|roadhouse]] in Bluff while the rest of the team, including Fox, were safely lodged in the roadhouse kennel.{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|p=138}}}} a move Seppala later disagreed with as he felt Balto was not worthy to be a lead dog.{{Sfn|Schilp|2019|p=68}} Balto had been largely untried as a sled dog prior to the run,<ref name="PlainD19850127p168">{{Cite news |date=January 27, 1985 |title=People, Etc.: Remember Balto? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-people-etc-remember/150168757/ |access-date=July 30, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=4, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-people-etc-remember/150168775/ 23]:Magazine |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731063938/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-people-etc-remember/150168757/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but Kaasen expressed confidence in Balto's abilities and likely identified with him.{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|pp=138, 140}} The serum package was handed to Kaasen by Charlie Olson in [[Bluff, Alaska|Bluff]]{{sfn|Thomas|Thomas|2015|page=69}} at 10:00&nbsp;p.m. on February 1.<ref name="Juneau19250203p1">{{Cite news |date=February 3, 1925 |title=Kasson [sic] Gives Credit to Dog in Nome Race |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/juneau-empire-kasson-gives-credit-to-do/145556967/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729134500/https://www.newspapers.com/article/juneau-empire-kasson-gives-credit-to-do/145556967/ |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |access-date=July 29, 2024 |newspaper=Juneau Empire |location=Juneau, Alaska |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/juneau-empire-kasson-gives-credit-to-do/145557035/ 7] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The blizzard quickly began to bear down on the team, causing them to become lost and confused. This prompted Kaasen to move Balto to the lead, yelling at him, "Go home, Balto."{{r|PlainD19330310p9}} Balto's ability to pull heavy freight allowed him to steadily navigate the team through the storm;{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|pp=144–145}} at one point, Balto stopped in front of a patch of ice on the Topkok River that broke underneath him, saving Kaasen's life along with the entire team.{{Sfn|Schilp|2019|p=68}}{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|pp=145–146}}{{r|PlainD19850201p76}} Kaasen suffered frostbite after his sled flipped and the serum package fell into the snow, forcing him to search bare-handed for it.{{r|NG20200519}}{{Sfn|Schilp|2019|p=68}}{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|p=152}}
[[File:Balto and Gunner Kaasen - February 2, 1925, Nome, Alaska.webm|thumb|273x273px|[[Newsreel]] footage from [[Gaumont (company)|Gaumont]] of Gunnar Kaasen and Balto's team arriving in Nome; this was a staged recreation filmed later in the day.]]
Kaasen and his team arrived in Point Safety ahead of schedule,{{r|PlainD19850127p168}} but found the last team of the run was not ready and the [[roadhouse (premises)|roadhouse]] they lodged in was dark.<ref name="NomeN250207p1">{{Cite news |date=February 7, 1925 |title=Nome Mushers Figure In Race Against Time |url=https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn87062013/1925-02-07/ed-1/?sp=1&st=image&r=0.064,0.296,0.934,0.558,0 |access-date=October 26, 2024 |work=The Nome Nugget |location=Nome, Alaska |pages=1, [https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn87062013/1925-02-07/ed-1/?sp=7 7]}}</ref> Ed Rohn, the leader of this final team,<ref name="Baltim19250202p1">{{Cite news |date=February 2, 1925 |title=Relays Stationed to Meet Seppalla: Diphtheria-Stricken Nome Expects New Plans Will Bring Antitoxin Today |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-relays-stationed-to-m/145563207/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |location=Baltimore, Maryland |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731064439/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-relays-stationed-to-m/145563207/ |url-status=live }}</ref> was asleep at the time under the impression Kaasen had been halted in nearby [[Solomon, Alaska|Solomon]],{{r|k715}} a settlement Kaasen rode past without visibly recognizing due to the poor weather.{{r|NomeN250207p1}} Kaasen decided not to wake him up and continue on, knowing it would take time for Rohn to prepare and risk putting additional dogs in harm's way.{{r|NomeN250207p1}} Despite suffering from exposure and exhaustion,{{r|PlainD19850201p76}}{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|p=153}} Kaasen and Balto traveled the remaining {{convert|25|mi}} to Nome, and arrived at Front Street on February 2, 1925, at 5:30&nbsp;a.m.{{r|Juneau19250203p1}}{{Efn|Discrepancies exist in the exact length of the run of Kaasen's team; it has ranged from 50, 53{{sfn|Schilp|2019|p=66}} or 55 miles{{r|NG20200519}} and as many as 60 miles.{{r|PlainD19750129p20}}}} While frozen solid, all 300,000 units of the antitoxin were intact, and Kaasen handed them over to be thawed for use by midday.<ref name="PlainD19250203p1">{{Cite news |date=February 3, 1925 |title=Dogs Reach Nome, Serum is Frozen: Doctor Will Try to Thaw New Supply |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dogs-reach-nome-serum/150657026/ |access-date=July 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dogs-reach-nome-serum/150657086/ 5] |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729134507/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dogs-reach-nome-serum/150657026/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Thomas|Thomas|2015|page=70}} Four of Kaasen's dogs were partially frozen when they arrived;{{r|PlainD19880319p19}} one newspaper dispatch erroneously stated Balto and the majority of the team died several days later from frozen lungs,<ref name="PlainD19250209p17">{{Cite news |date=February 9, 1925 |title=Dog Hero of Mad Race to Save Lives in Nome Dies of Frozen Lungs |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dog-hero-of-mad-race-to/150184901/ |access-date=July 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=17 |agency=Associated Press |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729200412/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dog-hero-of-mad-race-to/150184901/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and was immediately retracted shortly after publication.{{r|v458}} Seppala reached Nome two days later and praised Kaasen for having continued on through blizzard conditions.<ref name="Juneau19250205p1">{{Cite news |date=February 5, 1925 |title=Seppala Reaches Nome |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/juneau-empire-seppala-reaches-nome/145557190/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729134507/https://www.newspapers.com/article/juneau-empire-seppala-reaches-nome/145557190/ |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |access-date=July 29, 2024 |newspaper=Juneau Empire |location=Juneau, Alaska |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

Kaasen gave all credit to Balto,{{r|Juneau19250203p1}} telling a [[United Press]] reporter, "I gave Balto, my lead dog, his head and trusted to him. He never once faltered&nbsp;... [i]t was Balto who led the way, the credit is his."<ref name="Stockt19250203p1">{{Cite news |date=February 3, 1925 |title=Balto, Lead Dog, Is Hero of Dash for Nome With Antitoxin; Frozen Serum Declared Unhurt |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/stockton-evening-and-sunday-record-balt/145563981/ |access-date=July 29, 2024 |newspaper=Stockton Evening and Sunday Record |location=Stockton, California |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=United Press |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729134508/https://www.newspapers.com/article/stockton-evening-and-sunday-record-balt/145563981/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After reaching Dr. Welch's office to deliver the serum, Kaasen tended to Balto, hugging him and purportedly{{r|k715}} repeating, "Damn fine dog&nbsp;... damn fine dog."{{r|PlainD19850201p76|u870}} On the [[United States Senate chamber|U.S. Senate chamber]] floor several days later, Washington Senator [[Clarence Dill]] recognized the efforts of everyone who helped with the serum run but cited Balto in particular, saying, "[t]his black Siberian dog, through the darkness and storm, crossed this icy desert and kept the trail when no human being could possibly have found the way."<ref name="PlainD19250208p11">{{Cite news |date=February 8, 1925 |title=Pays Tribute to Heroes of North: Senator Dill Sings Praises of Dogs and Indians in Race to Nome. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-pays-tribute-to-heroes/150184851/ |access-date=July 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=11 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The [[H. K. Mulford Company]], one of the manufacturers of the serum units, awarded Kaasen a $1,000 prize ({{Inflation|index=US|value=1000|start_year=1925|r=0|fmt=eq|cursign=$}}) alongside inscribed medals which were given to all the mushers.{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|p=159}}

=== Post-race fame: movies, statues, vaudeville and sale to a sideshow ===
Newspapers were heralding the feats achieved during the serum run almost exclusively to Balto, eclipsing the efforts of the 18 other mushers and 150 sled dogs who participated.{{r|v458|NG20200519}} The death toll in Nome was seven people—not counting [[Alaskan Natives]] who were not recorded—adding further to the [[media sensation]] as the diphtheria epidemic was seemingly averted.{{r|NG20200519}} When the ''[[New York Daily News]]'' published exclusive photos of Kaasen's arrival in Nome, Balto was pictured directly in the foreground of the entire team;<ref name="DailyN19250317p48">{{Cite news |date=March 17, 1925 |title=First Photos of Nome Dash Rushed 5,120 Miles for NEWS Readers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-first-photos-of-nome-dash-ru/145602286/ |access-date=July 29, 2024 |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York, New York |page=48 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729134406/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-first-photos-of-nome-dash-ru/145602286/ |url-status=live }}</ref> these photos were later revealed to be staged recreations hours after Kaasen arrived.{{r|k715}} The recent adoption of radio in the [[contiguous United States]] also meant dispatches from Nome had been relayed to radio stations throughout the country.{{r|NG20200519|PlainD19940107p1}} As 1925 ended, Balto was credited in news coverage as having accomplished the entire serum run by himself,{{r|v458}} a misconception that persisted long after his death.{{r|PlainD19400310p56}}
[[File:Balto's Race to Nome (1925) - 1.jpg|left|thumb|The Merrill Theatre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, showing the American documentary film ''Balto's Race to Nome'' (1925)|alt=An outdoor movie theatre marquee facing to the right of the theatre's entrance. In large lettering are the top two lines, "THE MERRILL" and in smaller lettering on the bottom three lines, "BALTO, HERO DOG IN RACE TO NOME". Directly underneath this marquee is a marquee in the distance saying "MAJESTIC".]]
Film producer [[Sol Lesser]] promptly signed Kaasen, Balto and the team of "thirteen half wolves" to a contract with [[Educational Pictures]] for a movie based on the serum run.<ref name="PlainD19250226p19">{{Cite news |last=Marsh |first=W. Wade |date=February 26, 1925 |title=Balto, His Husky Pals and Master Get Film Contract |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-his-husky-pals-a/150184760/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=19 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731064444/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-his-husky-pals-a/150184760/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Film production began in April 1925 in [[Los Angeles]]. Upon arriving in the city, Balto was the recipient of the "[[Freedom of the City|bone of the city]]" by the mayor of Los Angeles, along with other dignitaries<ref name="PlainD19250410p25">{{Cite news |date=April 10, 1925 |title=Tales and Views of the Theatres – Film Topics: Good Old Balto. |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tales-and-views-of-the/150168874/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=25 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731064520/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tales-and-views-of-the/150168874/ |url-status=live }}</ref> including actress [[Mary Pickford]].{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|p=146}} The [[two-reel]] movie, ''Balto's Race to Nome'', debuted the following month to positive reviews;<ref name="PlainD19250503p77">{{Cite news |last=Marsh |first=W. Wade |date=May 3, 1925 |title=Balto and His Pals in New Film; Gloria in New and Old Photo Plays |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-and-his-pals-in-n/150185164/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-and-his-pals-in-n/150185252/ 4]:Dramatic |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731064519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-and-his-pals-in-n/150185164/ |url-status=live }}</ref> it is now considered a [[lost film]]. Shortly after the film's release, Kaasen sued Lesser for unpaid wages;<ref name="PlainD19250517p73">{{Cite news |last=Marsh |first=W. Wade |date=May 17, 1925 |title=The "New" Marion Davies Praised; Balto's Film in State; Letter to Tom Mix |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-the-new-marion-davies/150185735/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-the-new-marion-davies/150185804/ 4]:Dramatic |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731064446/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-the-new-marion-davies/150185735/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Lesser then sold the existing contract to the [[vaudeville]] circuit.{{r|PlainD20150118p31}} Kaasen and Balto soon traveled across the country, making public appearances and being bestowed gifts from the cities visited.<ref name="Oaklan19250510p 4">{{Cite news |date=May 10, 1925 |title="So This Is Oakland!" |url=https://newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune-photo-balto-is-honored/145564938/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731064514/https://www.newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune-photo-balto-is-honored/145564938/ |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=Oakland Tribune |location=Oakland, California |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19250719p84">{{Cite news |date=July 19, 1925 |title=Gunner Kassan and his huskies that took antitoxin to Nome last winter... |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-gunner-kassan-and-his-h/150185334/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=84 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731064447/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-gunner-kassan-and-his-h/150185334/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In one instance, while visiting [[Cleveland, Ohio]], Kaasen was awarded a subscription to ''[[The Plain Dealer]]'' as a gift from an existing subscriber, to be delivered to his home in Nome.<ref name="PlainD19251114p12">{{Cite news |date=November 14, 1925 |title=Hero of Nome Death Race is Early Subscriber in Contest |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-hero-of-nome-death-race/150187302/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=12 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731065045/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-hero-of-nome-death-race/150187302/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Balto memorial in Central Park.jpg|thumb|Statue of Balto in [[Central Park]], [[New York City]]]]

A [[statue of Balto]], sculpted by [[Frederick Roth]], was erected in [[New York City]]'s [[Central Park]] on December 17, 1925, ten months after Balto's arrival in Nome. Balto modeled in front of Roth<ref name="PlainD19250726p66">{{Cite news |date=July 26, 1925 |title=Balto Has a Busy Time in New York |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-has-a-busy-time-i/150186277/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=2:Dramatic |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731065046/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-has-a-busy-time-i/150186277/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19250720p11">{{Cite news |date=July 20, 1925 |title=Famous Dog Poses for His Statue |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-famous-dog-poses-for-hi/150186181/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=11 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and was present for the monument's unveiling.<ref name="NYC">{{cite web |title=Central Park Monuments – Balto |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/monuments/75 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826152707/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/monuments/75 |archive-date=August 26, 2024 |access-date=August 26, 2024 |website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation |publisher=The City of New York}}</ref> The statue is located on the main path leading north from the [[Central Park Zoo#Children's Zoo|Tisch Children's Zoo]].<ref name="CP">{{cite web |date=January 24, 2019 |title=Balto Statue |url=https://www.centralparknyc.org/locations/balto-statue |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731201755/https://www.centralparknyc.org/locations/balto-statue |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |access-date=August 26, 2024 |website=Central Park Conservancy}}</ref> In front of the statue, a low-relief slate plaque depicts Balto's sled team and bears the inscription, "[d]edicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed antitoxin six hundred miles over rough ice, across treacherous waters, through Arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of stricken Nome in the winter of 1925: endurance, fidelity, intelligence".{{r|CP}}<ref>{{cite web |date=June 1993 |title=Balto, (sculpture) |url=https://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?uri=full=3100001~!302803~!7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826151627/https://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?uri=full=3100001~!302803~!7 |archive-date=August 26, 2024 |access-date=August 26, 2024 |website=Smithsonian Institution Research Information System |publisher=Smithsonian American Art Museum}}</ref>

Seppala had been "amazed and vastly amused" at Balto and Kaasen's celebrity statuses,{{sfn|Ricker|1930|p=280}} but was displeased as it overlooked his lead dog [[Togo (dog)|Togo]], who went through the run's longest and most dangerous part.{{r|w127|Slate}} Seppala made a similar cross-country tour with Togo and his teammates in 1926, including a gala ice-rink appearance at [[Madison Square Garden (1925)|Madison Square Garden]], believing that Togo had been deprived of fame and acclaim.<ref name="v458">{{cite web |last=Clifford |first=Stephanie |date=February 13, 2012 |title=Spirit of a Racer in a Siberian Husky's Blood |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/13/sports/spirit-of-a-racer-in-a-siberian-huskys-blood.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617140522/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/13/sports/spirit-of-a-racer-in-a-siberian-huskys-blood.html |archive-date=June 17, 2024 |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=The New York Times |page=1:D}}</ref> Before relocating to [[Poland Spring, Maine]], in March 1927, Seppala claimed Fox was the actual leader of Kaasen's team<ref name="p864">{{cite web |date=March 9, 1927 |title=Balto Not Nome Hero Dog; Seppala Says Husky Named Fox Was Leader of His Team |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/03/09/archives/balto-not-nome-hero-dog-seppala-says-husky-named-fox-was-leader-of.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521085540/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/03/09/archives/balto-not-nome-hero-dog-seppala-says-husky-named-fox-was-leader-of.html |archive-date=May 21, 2023 |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=The New York Times |page=25:Sports}}</ref> and failed to get any proper credit due to Fox's name being more common and would not stand out in newspaper headlines like Balto.{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|p=249}} A February 1932 interview Seppala had with [[Henry McLemore]] furthered this, claiming a newspaper reporter simply chose Balto as "the lead dog&nbsp;... that brought the serum in" after multiple names were offered by Seppala; as he was still riding to Nome with Togo at the time, this is likely [[Anachronism|anachronistic]].<ref name="Zanesv19320218p10">{{Cite news |last=McLemore |first=Henry |author-link=Henry McLemore |date=February 18, 1932 |title=Today's Sports Parade (Seppalla, Bonzo, Balto and Fox) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-zanesville-signal-todays-sports-par/152080521/ |access-date=July 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Zanesville Signal |location=Zanesville, Ohio |page=10 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Hearst Newspapers |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729200349/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-zanesville-signal-todays-sports-par/152080521/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The "Vaccine Research Association" unsuccessfully called for the Central Park statue's removal in 1931,<ref name="AkronB19310925p 342">{{Cite news |date=September 25, 1931 |title=Discredit Balto As Canine Hero |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-discredit-balto/152080547/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |page=34 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=August 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826192953/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-discredit-balto/152080547/ |url-status=live }}</ref> citing a 1929 interview where Seppala claimed all the dramatic events surrounding the run were fabricated to sell newspapers.<ref name="Richmo19380126p8">{{Cite news |date=January 26, 1938 |title=Questions and Answers: Balto's Dash to Nome |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-richmond-news-leader-questions-and-a/153672696/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Richmond News Leader |location=Richmond, Virginia |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826193024/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-richmond-news-leader-questions-and-a/153672696/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Unwilling to show disrespect to a sled dog, Seppala partly backtracked from these claims in his memoir:{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|p=249}}

{{blockquote|I hope I shall never be the man to take away credit from any dog or driver who participated in that run. We all did our best. But when the country was roused to enthusiasm over the serum run driver, I resented the statue to Balto, for if any dog deserved special mention it was Togo&nbsp;... At the time I left [for the run] I never dreamed that anyone could consider these dogs [the second string] fit to drive even in a short relay.&nbsp;... As to the leader, it was up to the driver who happened to be selected to choose any dog he liked, and he chose Balto.{{sfn|Ricker|1930|p=281}}}}

After the dispute with Lesser was resolved,<ref name="LosAng19270301p322">{{Cite news |date=March 1, 1927 |title=Last Days Will Be Peaceful Ones: Husky Dogs to Live in Cleveland |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-last-days-will-be/150658231/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=Los Angeles Daily Times |location=Los Angeles, California |page=12:II |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Balto and his teammates were sold to Sam Houston, owner of a [[traveling circus]]. The exact circumstances for the sale are unclear: some accounts, including Houston himself, claimed Kaasen sold the dogs after tiring of the constant traveling and moved back to Alaska.{{r|PlainD20150118p31|PlainD19270302p1}} Other accounts claimed Seppala made the deal with Houston and ordered Kaasen—who was still under his employ at the Pioneer Mining Company—back to Alaska.{{r|j765}} Seppala claimed in his memoir that he sold the dogs to Lesser, with Balto selling for much more "on account of the publicity given to his 'glorious achievements'".{{sfn|Ricker|1930|p=281}} Kaasen and Seppala never spoke to each other again.{{r|v458}} Kaasen's departure occurred after the Central Park statue unveiling; upon returning to Nome one year after the run,<ref name="Tacoma19260219p1">{{Cite news |date=February 19, 1926 |title=Gunnar Kassen Brings Load of Yeast to Nome |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-tacoma-daily-ledger-gunnar-kassen-br/153476861/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Tacoma Daily Ledger |location=Tacoma, Washington |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819045542/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tacoma-daily-ledger-gunnar-kassen-br/153476861/ |url-status=live }}</ref> he found himself alienated by residents of Nome over his fame, with some expressing resentment over the bypassing of Ed Rohn.{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|p=147}} By May 1947, Seppala dismissed the serum run as little more than "just an ordinary hard run" and Balto's fame as "a product of modern publicity rather than of outstanding merit&nbsp;... Balto was just a good average dog".<ref name="NomeNu19490218p5">{{Cite news |date=February 18, 1949 |title=Seppala And The Siberian Huskie, Part III: As told to G. F. Freudenberg by Leonhard Seppala one day in May 1947 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-nome-nugget-seppala-and-the-siberian/151738187/ |access-date=July 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Nome Nugget |location=Nome, Alaska |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729134438/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-nome-nugget-seppala-and-the-siberian/151738187/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Cleveland fundraising effort and purchase ===
Balto and his team continued on tour throughout much of 1926 under the ownership of Sam Houston in both his circus and theatre circuits.<ref name="Oxnard19260618p 1">{{Cite news |date=June 18, 1926 |title=Saved Striken Nome |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/oxnard-press-courier-saved-striken-nome/153476332/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Oxnard Daily Courier |location=Oxnard, California |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819045542/https://www.newspapers.com/article/oxnard-press-courier-saved-striken-nome/153476332/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SimiVa19260715p1">{{Cite news |date=July 15, 1926 |title=Special Attraction at Apricot Show |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/simi-valley-star-special-attraction-at-a/153476752/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Moonpark Enterprise |location=Simi Valley, California |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819050229/https://www.newspapers.com/article/simi-valley-star-special-attraction-at-a/153476752/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By February 1927, stories emerged of Balto and six teammates living in the back room of a "for men only"<ref name="Austin19270227p5">{{Cite news |date=February 27, 1927 |title=Heroic Dog Imprisoned: Husky Who Stopped Epidemic Shut Up |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-austin-american-heroic-dog-imprisone/150657690/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Austin American |location=Austin, Texas |page=5 |agency=Universal Leased Wire |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728045703/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-austin-american-heroic-dog-imprisone/150657690/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[dime museum]] in Los Angeles,<ref name="Oaklan19270227p 21">{{Cite news |last=Wooldridge |first=Jack |date=February 27, 1927 |title=Movieland: A hero has fallen. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune-movieland-a-hero-has-fa/150361156/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=Oakland Tribune |location=Oakland, California |page=21 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728045703/https://www.newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune-movieland-a-hero-has-fa/150361156/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SanFra19270220p16">{{Cite news |date=February 20, 1927 |title=Nome Dog Hero Is In 10-Cent Sideshow |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-nome-dog-hero/150361865/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The San Francisco Examiner |location=San Francisco, California |page=16 |agency=International News Service |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728045703/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-nome-dog-hero/150361865/ |url-status=live }}</ref> also described as a [[freak show]].<ref name="PlainD20150118p31">{{Cite news |last=DeMarco |first=Laura |date=January 18, 2015 |title=How Cleveland saved a hero |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-how-cleveland-saved-a-h/150163038/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-how-cleveland-saved-a-h/150163077/ C6] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728045703/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-how-cleveland-saved-a-h/150163038/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After leaving the vaudeville circuit, Balto and his team briefly resided at a farm,{{r|LosAng19270301p322}} only to be taken back to the city after misbehaving and entering a chicken coop.{{r|Oaklan19270227p 21}} Balto and his teammates were displayed chained to a sled,{{r|PlainD20150118p31}}<ref name="PlainD19850201p76">{{Cite news |last=Carman |first=Diane |date=February 1, 1985 |title=Balto: The Forgotten Hero |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-the-forgotten-he/150167953/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=20–[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-the-forgotten-he/150167998/ 21], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-the-forgotten-he/150168028/ 24] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728045704/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-the-forgotten-he/150167953/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with their only exercise consisting of brief trips in the museum's back alley.{{r|Austin19270227p5}} They were malnourished, with their ribs showing.<ref name="PlainD19940107p1">{{Cite news |last=Drexler |first=Michael |date=January 7, 1994 |title=Hey, Spielberg, your heroic dog's right here |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-hey-spielberg-your-he/150165555/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-hey-spielberg-your-he/150165580/ 8A] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728045705/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-hey-spielberg-your-he/150165555/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jack Wooldridge of the ''[[Oakland Tribune]]'' wrote about the mistreatment, "[t]here probably was never a more dejected, sorrowful looking lot of malamutes than these as they now appear. Balto will never see the snow again. He's simply an exhibit in a museum."{{r|Oaklan19270227p 21}}

[[File:Balto_Saved_Nome_Fund_appeal.jpg|alt=A newspaper advertisement, with the following text: "SAVE BALTO—BALTO SAVED NOME FUND. I hereby enclose . . . . for the fund to bring Balto and his six teammates to be lodged permanently at Brookside Zoo." "DON'T SEND STAMPS—MAIL to George Kimble, treasurer Cleveland Balto Committee, 308 Euclid Avenue Building, Room 1606, Cleveland O."|thumb|A fundraising appeal for the Cleveland Balto Committee, printed in ''[[The Plain Dealer]]'' on March 2, 1927]]
Cleveland businessman George Kimble visited the dime museum while in Los Angeles after noticing a sign outside advertising "Balto the wonder dog".{{r|PlainD19850201p76}}{{Efn|It is unknown if Kimble discovered the dogs after being prompted by the newspaper reports; Kimble's name does not emerge until March 2, 1927, when the "Cleveland Balto Committee" was announced, one week after he learned they were in the dime museum.{{r|PlainD19270302p1}} The majority of contemporary accounts, in addition to the [[Cleveland Museum of Natural History]], recognize Kimble as having discovered Balto.{{r|PlainD20150118p31}}{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|p=253}}}} Outraged at seeing Balto and his teammates in poor health,{{r|PlainD20150118p31|PlainD19940107p1}} Kimble offered to buy the dogs from Sam Houston, who was willing to sell,<ref name="PlainD19270302p1">{{Cite news |date=March 2, 1927 |title=Dog Lovers Rally to Aid Balto Fund |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dog-lovers-rally-to-aid/148512638/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dog-lovers-rally-to-aid/148512693/ 6] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728045705/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dog-lovers-rally-to-aid/148512638/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but demanded $2,000 ({{Inflation|index=US|value=2000|start_year=1927|r=0|fmt=eq|cursign=$}}), more than Kimble could personally afford.{{r|PlainD19940107p1}} Kimble reached out to area businessmen and elected officials, along with ''The Plain Dealer'',{{r|PlainD20150118p31}} and assembled the Cleveland Balto Committee led by [[Ohio Courts of Common Pleas|Common Pleas]] Judge James B. Ruhl,<ref name="PlainD19270303p1">{{Cite news |date=March 3, 1927 |title=Children Chip In To Swell Balto Fund |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-children-chip-in-to-swe/150171267/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-children-chip-in-to-swe/150171302/ 5] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728045705/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-children-chip-in-to-swe/150171267/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which negotiated with Houston.{{r|PlainD19270302p1}} After Houston agreed to sell the dogs for $1,500, a fund raising campaign was formally announced in the March 1, 1927, ''Plain Dealer'', and the [[Brookside Zoo]] promised to create lodging for the dogs.{{r|LosAng19270301p322}}<ref name="Chilli19270301p10">{{Cite news |date=March 1, 1927 |title=Canine Heroes Are Finally Rewarded |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chillicothe-gazette-canine-heroes-are-fi/150360827/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=Chillicothe Gazette |location=Chillicothe, Ohio |page=10 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728204329/https://www.newspapers.com/article/chillicothe-gazette-canine-heroes-are-fi/150360827/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Raising $200 on the campaign's first day, a ten-day [[Option (finance)|option]] was obtained,{{r|PlainD19270302p1}} and the dogs were temporarily relocated to a ranch as a [[foster home]].<ref name="PlainD19270309p1">{{Cite news |date=March 9, 1927 |title=Cleveland Children on Coast Visit Nome Heroes |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-cleveland-children-on-c/147432513/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050218/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-cleveland-children-on-c/147432513/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The ''Plain Dealer'' carried daily tallies of donations to the campaign.{{Efn|As seen here:{{r|PlainD19270302p1|PlainD19270303p1|PlainD19270304p14|PlainD19270305p1|PlainD19270306p1|PlainD19270308p1|PlainD19270309p12|PlainD19270310p1}}}} Donations came from all over the city, with Cleveland schoolchildren dropping loose change in buckets{{r|PlainD19940107p1}} and offering their milk money;{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|p=253}} along with children, bank employees, offices and nonprofit institutions all making donations.{{r|PlainD19270303p1}} Within four days, the committee grew from seven members to seventeen.<ref name="PlainD19270305p1">{{Cite news |date=March 5, 1927 |title=New Group of Ten Spurs Balto Work |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-new-group-of-ten-spurs/150653320/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-new-group-of-ten-spurs/150653466/ 5] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050218/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-new-group-of-ten-spurs/150653320/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Area [[kennel club]]s, shops and hotels also made contributions.{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|p=253}}

Appeals to donate were broadcast over radio stations [[WFJC|WDBK]], [[WHK (AM)|WHK]] and [[WTAM]],<ref name="PlainD19270304p14">{{Cite news |date=March 4, 1927 |title=Appeal for Balto Flashes by Radio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-appeal-for-balto-flashe/147431388/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=14 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050219/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-appeal-for-balto-flashe/147431388/ |url-status=live }}</ref> along with stations in [[Detroit]] and elsewhere; one response came from Japan after a listener there heard an appeal over [[WABC (AM)|WJZ]] in New York by [[DXing|long-distance reception]].<ref name="PlainD19270306p1">{{Cite news |date=March 6, 1927 |title=Style Show Girls Herald Balto Plea |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-style-show-girls-herald/150170976/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-style-show-girls-herald/150171100/ 4] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050219/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-style-show-girls-herald/150170976/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Three models for the [[William Taylor & Son]] department store were driven around downtown Cleveland promoting the campaign.{{r|PlainD19270306p1}}<ref name="PlainD19270306p4">{{Cite news |date=March 6, 1927 |title=Models Rally Avenue Crowds to Help Balto |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-models-rally-avenue-cro/147024974/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050220/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-models-rally-avenue-cro/147024974/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Los Angeles Alaskan Society subsequently offered to buy the team if the $2,000 could not be raised in time by the Cleveland effort, as the ten-day option had been publicized in the ''[[Los Angeles Daily Times]]''.{{r|LosAng19270301p322}}<ref name="PlainD19270308p1">{{Cite news |date=March 8, 1927 |title=West Eager to Buy Balto Before City |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-west-eager-to-buy-balto/147431834/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-west-eager-to-buy-balto/147431870/ 8] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050238/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-west-eager-to-buy-balto/147431834/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By the evening of March 8, $1,517 had been raised, prompting one last-minute appeal by the ''Plain Dealer'';<ref name="PlainD19270309p12">{{Cite news |date=March 9, 1927 |title=$500 Must Be Raised by Night for Balto |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-500-must-be-raised-by/147432549/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-500-must-be-raised-by/147432721/ 5] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050221/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-500-must-be-raised-by/147432549/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the following morning, the fund surpassed the $2,000 goal, totaling $2,245.88 ({{Inflation|index=US|value=2245.88|start_year=1927|r=0|fmt=eq|cursign=$}}) and securing the purchase of the entire seven-dog team.<ref name="PlainD19270310p1">{{Cite news |date=March 10, 1927 |title=City Wins Balto by Good Margin: Fund Passes $2,000 Mark in Morning; Climbs to $2,245.88 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-city-wins-balto-by-good/150656078/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-city-wins-balto-by-good/150656167/ 5] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The effort won the praise of [[Roald Amundsen]], who compared it to the city of [[Oslo]] adopting the lone surviving dog from his expedition to the [[South Pole]].{{r|PlainD19270310p1}} A ''Plain Dealer'' editorial on the campaign's success read, "[t]he city which honors a worthy dumb animal honors itself. Cleveland looks forward to welcoming its Alaskan guests a few days hence and hopes their life here may be long and pleasant."<ref name="PlainD19270311p14">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-of-cleveland-edi/150656359/|date=March 11, 1927|page=14|title=Balto of Cleveland (editorial)|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 26, 2024|archive-date=July 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050812/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-of-cleveland-edi/150656359/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Balto-Cleveland_Public_Square_parade,_March_19,_1927.webm|thumb|250x250px|Balto and his team were paraded through [[Public Square, Cleveland|Public Square]] in Cleveland on March 19, 1927, and presented to the city at the steps of [[Cleveland City Hall|City Hall]].]]
Balto and his six teammates—Alaska Slim, Fox, Tillie, Billie, Old Moctoc and Sye{{Efn|Also spelled as "Cy"<ref name="PlainD19850310p220">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-cheers-for-balto-lett/150168386/|date=March 10, 1985|page=10:Magazine|title=Cheers for Balto! (letter to the editor)|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 20, 2024|archive-date=July 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050728/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-cheers-for-balto-lett/150168386/|url-status=live}}</ref> or "Si".{{r|PlainD19650613p49}}}}—were transported by train from Los Angeles to Cleveland along with [[identification papers]];<ref name="PlainD19270313p1">{{Cite news |date=March 13, 1927 |title=Balto, With Mates, Off For Cleveland |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-with-mates-off/150361039/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050736/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-with-mates-off/150361039/ |url-status=live }}</ref> arriving March 16, the dogs were escorted to temporary quarters at Brookside Zoo.<ref name="PlainD19270317p12">{{Cite news |date=March 17, 1927 |title=Balto and Mates Safe in City Zoo: Huskies Will Be "At Home" to Visitors Saturday. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-and-mates-safe-in/150175667/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-and-mates-safe-in/150175724/ 4] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050807/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-and-mates-safe-in/150175667/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19270317p1">{{Cite news |date=March 17, 1927 |title=Huskies Bark Greeting to City for Generosity |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-huskies-bark-greeting-t/150172678/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050736/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-huskies-bark-greeting-t/150172678/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A grand parade took place at the [[Public Square, Cleveland|Public Square]] on March 19, 1927, which the city designated as "Balto Day".<ref name="PlainD19270319p1">{{Cite news |date=March 19, 1927 |title=Balto Leads Mush to City Hall Today |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-leads-mush-to-cit/147498755/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-leads-mush-to-cit/147498790/ 3] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728204330/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-leads-mush-to-cit/147498755/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite rainy conditions, thousands of people were present{{Efn|One retrospective story had an estimate of 15,000 attendees for the parade;{{r|PlainD19940107p1}} this might be accidentally confused with the 15,000 attendees that saw Balto in his first day at the zoo.}} as the team pulled a sled modified with iron wheels making it navigable on [[cobblestone]] streets and [[streetcar track]]s; two local [[Boy Scouts of America|Boy Scout]] troops carried signs announcing Balto's arrival and a map of the serum run,{{r|PlainD19270320p1}} while five local people were "[[Sourdough (Yukon Miner)|sourdough]]"{{Efn|'Sourdough' is another name for a prospector or minor during the Klondike gold rush of Yukon, in north-western Canada, between 1896 and 1899.}} escorts.<ref name="PlainD19270318p14">{{Cite news |date=March 18, 1927 |title=5 "Sour-Doughs" to Escort Balto: Parade Tomorrow to Draw Dog "Mushers" Under Midnight Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-5-sour-doughs-to-esco/151931851/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=14 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728204330/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-5-sour-doughs-to-esco/151931851/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the rotunda of [[Cleveland City Hall]], Judge Ruhl read a [[deed of gift]] that transferred ownership of Balto and his team to the city "forever".<ref name="PlainD19270320p1">{{Cite news |date=March 20, 1927 |title=Throngs Acclaim Balto in Drizzle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-throngs-acclaim-balto-i/147086639/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-throngs-acclaim-balto-i/147086850/ 16] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728054256/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-throngs-acclaim-balto-i/147086639/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19270320p16">{{Cite news |date=March 20, 1927 |title=Snow and 60 Below Meat for Huskies, But Rain— |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-snow-and-60-below-meat/147086983/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=16 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728054256/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-snow-and-60-below-meat/147086983/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19270327p82">{{Cite news |date=March 27, 1927 |title=Meet the famous Balto, now a resident of Cleveland. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-meet-the-famous-balto/147726643/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=82 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728054257/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-meet-the-famous-balto/147726643/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After the parade, the dogs were all transported to a more permanent housing at the zoo.{{r|PlainD19270320p1}}

=== Later years ===
Balto and his teammates made their formal debut at the Brookside Zoo on March 20, 1927, with estimates of up to 15,000 people visiting the zoo that day.<ref name="PlainD19270321p1">{{Cite news |date=March 21, 1927 |title=Balto Host for 15,000 Admirers: Old and Young File By to Welcome Hero Home |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-host-for-15000-a/153608800/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-host-for-15000-a/153608841/ 3] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819191606/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-host-for-15000-a/153608800/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Even with his permanent residence at the zoo, Balto occasionally made public appearances, including at an exhibition hosted by the Western Reserve Kennel Club in which Balto won "best of show" honors.<ref name="PlainD19270410p18">{{Cite news |date=April 10, 1927 |title=Aristocrats of Dogdom |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-aristocrats-of-dogdom/147726575/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=18 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819191455/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-aristocrats-of-dogdom/147726575/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Balto also made an appearance at a parade for the 1929 [[National Air Races]].<ref name="PlainD19290824p1">{{Cite news |date=August 24, 1929 |title=Certainly, Our Biggest Parade Ever Is Today |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-certainly-our-biggest/153406247/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-certainly-our-biggest/153406462/ 4] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

Owing to the Brookside Zoo's location in a valley, the team would pull sleds during winter weather conditions; one snowfall in early January 1928, turned the zoo's boulevard into an icy trail, with Balto and Fox alternating lead.<ref name="PlainD19280104p15">{{Cite news |date=January 4, 1928 |title=Mush at Zero is Treat for Balto |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-mush-at-zero-is-treat-f/147726422/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=15 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19280104p26">{{Cite news |date=January 4, 1928 |title=Balto And Pals Takes The Air |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-and-pals-takes-th/147726403/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=26 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819191611/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-and-pals-takes-th/147726403/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The ''Plain Dealer'' occasionally [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphized]] their depictions of Balto at the zoo, including an encounter with a visiting husky and his owner from [[Manitoba]].<ref name="PlainD19290101p22">{{Cite news |date=January 1, 1929 |title=Balto And Mates Greet One of Kin |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-and-mates-greet-o/147726176/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=22 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Another 1929 story centered around his "daydreaming" of [[Richard E. Byrd]]'s expedition of Antarctica;<ref name="PlainD19290222p2">{{Cite news |date=February 22, 1929 |title=Balto Dreams of Byrd and Dog Sledging in Antarctic |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-dreams-of-byrd-an/147726242/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819191639/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-dreams-of-byrd-an/147726242/ |url-status=live }}</ref> this resulted in multiple [[letters to the editor]] that criticized the enclosure and were concerned about the welfare of the dogs.<ref name="PlainD19290307p22">{{Cite news |date=March 7, 1929 |title=Public Hall, Prison Escapes and Other Topics: Letters From Our Readers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-public-hall-prison-esc/153603757/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=22 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819192020/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-public-hall-prison-esc/153603757/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19290320p26">{{Cite news |date=March 20, 1929 |title=The Brickner-Barnes Debate, Religion and Balto: Letters From Our Readers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-the-brickner-barnes-deb/147726606/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=26 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819192024/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-the-brickner-barnes-deb/147726606/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One letter expressed regret for contributing to "Balto to Cleveland" fund as "one of the most inhuman acts we could have performed".<ref name="PlainD19290312p22">{{Cite news |date=March 12, 1929 |title=Murder, Law, Borough Plans and Other Topics: Letters From our Readers; Balto letters |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-murder-law-borough-pl/153406056/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=22 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> One letter written decades later recalled visiting the zoo on a hot day, with Balto tied to a tree in front of a water pan "with a few drops of water in it".{{r|PlainD19850310p220}} Even with these criticisms, the conditions at the zoo were generally seen as "excellent".<ref name="Woodvi19301010p2">{{Cite news |date=October 10, 1930 |title=Balto, Dog Hero of Nome Epidemic, Lives With Mates in Cleveland Zoo |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/woodville-news-balto-dog-hero-of-nome-e/152080595/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=Woodville News |location=Woodville, Ohio |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819192029/https://www.newspapers.com/article/woodville-news-balto-dog-hero-of-nome-e/152080595/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Zoo staff frequently sprayed the dogs to discourage fleas, their steam-heated kennel had a purpose-built shower for nightly cleaning,<ref name="Urbana19271015p11">{{Cite news |date=October 15, 1927 |title=Dog Team Heroes Are Living In Luxury Now |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-urbana-daily-citizen-dog-team-heroes/152080642/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Urbana Daily Citizen |location=Urbana, Ohio |page=11 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=United Press |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819192035/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-urbana-daily-citizen-dog-team-heroes/152080642/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the dogs had a respectable diet<ref name="PlainD19281224p3">{{Cite news |date=December 24, 1928 |title=No Lamb Chops for Zoo's Animals; a Bone Is a Riot |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-no-lamb-chops-for-zoos/147719594/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819193050/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-no-lamb-chops-for-zoos/147719594/ |url-status=live }}</ref> of meat in the morning, nightly [[dog biscuit]]s and plentiful access to water.{{r|PlainD19280104p15}} Zoo superintendent John Kramer defended their treatment of the dogs, particularly with Fox, saying "people don't understand why we do certain things here... you can't please them all."<ref name="PlainD19291108p11">{{Cite news |date=November 8, 1929 |title=Shaggy Winter Coats – Fashion Hint at Zoo |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-shaggy-winter-coats/153404620/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=11 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819193053/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-shaggy-winter-coats/153404620/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Another enclosure meant for the summer months was built for the dogs in 1930.<ref name="PlainD19310714p10">{{Cite news |date=July 14, 1931 |title=Look for Your Answer Here: Balto |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-look-for-your-answer-he/153404551/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=10 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819193057/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-look-for-your-answer-he/153404551/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This enclosure included a bronze tablet on top of a granite monument{{r|Woodvi19301010p2}} located in front of Balto's cage.<ref name="PlainD19311024p11">{{Cite news |date=October 24, 1931 |title=Dog Heroes Will Be Exhibited Here |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dog-heroes-will-be-exhi/153405730/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=11 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819193100/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dog-heroes-will-be-exhi/153405730/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Bearing the names of the entire seven-dog team,<ref name="PlainD19310927p11">{{Cite news |date=September 27, 1931 |title=This Brave Dog's Immortal in Stone; What of Ohio Heroes? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-this-brave-dogs-immort/147498407/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=11 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819193103/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-this-brave-dogs-immort/147498407/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the monument was intended as a [[shrine]] for all animal lovers of [[Greater Cleveland]].{{r|j765|PlainD19311024p11}} The dogs lived out the remainders of their lives at the zoo: Billie was the first to die,<ref name="PlainD19280505p23">{{Cite news |date=May 5, 1928 |title=Balto Lieutenant in Dog Team Dies: Racing Heart of Black Billie, Who Pulled Next Sled, Is Stilled |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-lieutenant-in-dog/147726354/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=23 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819193105/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-lieutenant-in-dog/147726354/ |url-status=live }}</ref> followed by Fox.{{r|Woodvi19301010p2}} Between 1930 and 1933, Alaska Slim, Tillie and Old Moctoc all died, with Balto and Sye the only members in the team remaining.{{r|PlainD19330310p9}}

=== Death, mounting and display ===
Balto died on March 14, 1933, at the age of 14.<ref name="PlainD19330315p16">{{Cite news |date=March 15, 1933 |title=Career Ends. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-career-ends/147726268/ |access-date=July 25, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=16 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728054803/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-career-ends/147726268/ |url-status=live }}</ref> News of Balto's declining health was published four days earlier, having lost his sight and suffering decreased mobility and paralysis.<ref name="PlainD19330312p15">{{Cite news |date=March 12, 1933 |title=Some Hope For Balto: Veterinarian Says Famous Dog Shows New Energy |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-some-hope-for-balto-ve/151940727/ |access-date=July 25, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=15 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728054843/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-some-hope-for-balto-ve/151940727/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Because of his advanced age,<ref name="PlainD19330313p9">{{Cite news |date=March 13, 1933 |title=Balto Still Improving: May Be Able to Return to Zoo Soon, Says Doctor |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-still-improving/151940605/ |access-date=July 25, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=9 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728054804/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-still-improving/151940605/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the city's [[veterinarian]] and zoo personnel estimated he would not be able to survive the week.<ref name="PlainD19330310p9">{{Cite news |date=March 10, 1933 |title=Balto, Dog Hero of Dash to Nome, Is Dying at Zoo |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-dog-hero-of-dash/147481826/ |access-date=July 25, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=9 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728055306/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-dog-hero-of-dash/147481826/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19330310p16">{{Cite news |date=March 10, 1933 |title=Balto Near End |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-near-end/151940654/ |access-date=July 25, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=16 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728055306/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-near-end/151940654/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Balto's death was attributed to both an [[enlarged heart]] and bladder,{{r|PlainD19330315p9}} the former as a result of stress incurred from the serum run.{{r|PlainD19400310p56}} The following day, the [[Cleveland Museum of Natural History]] (CMNH) agreed to display Balto in [[taxidermy]] form.<ref name="PlainD19330315p9">{{Cite news |date=March 15, 1933 |title=Body of Balto to Be Mounted |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-body-of-balto-to-be-mou/147481873/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=9 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728055307/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-body-of-balto-to-be-mou/147481873/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Balto's mounting cost $50 ({{Inflation|index=US|value=50|start_year=1933|r=0|fmt=eq|cursign=$}}) and was again raised through a fund-raising campaign;<ref name="PlainD19330319p5">{{Cite news |date=March 19, 1933 |title=Needs $50 to Mount Balto for Museum |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-needs-50-to-mount-balt/147481808/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728055405/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-needs-50-to-mount-balt/147481808/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the process included the placement of Balto's skin and fur over a lifelike form as an [[effigy]], a process that was finished by that May.{{r|PlainD19400310p56}}<ref name="PlainD19330513p24">{{Cite news |date=May 13, 1933 |title=Balto Lives Again. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-lives-again/147481739/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=24 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728204331/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-lives-again/147481739/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Balto's [[thyroid]] and [[adrenal gland]]s were preserved at the [[Cleveland Clinic]] in [[George Washington Crile]]'s organ collection.<ref name="j765">{{cite web |last=Raponi |first=Richard |date=May 4, 2013 |title=Balto vs. the Alaskan Black Death |url=https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/610 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726230655/https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/610 |archive-date=July 26, 2024 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |website=Cleveland Historical |publisher=Cleveland State University Center for Public History and Digital Humanities}}</ref>{{r|PlainD19330315p9}}

Sye, the last of the seven dogs, was reportedly crestfallen over Balto's death, moaning, howling, and refusing to eat.<ref name="PlainD19400310p56">{{Cite news |date=March 10, 1940 |title=At Natural History Museum: Balto, Savior of Nome, Makes New Bow |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-at-natural-history-muse/147481974/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=56 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728204330/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-at-natural-history-muse/147481974/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sye died on March 25, 1934, one year after Balto, and was the only dog of the group to sire offspring.<ref name="PlainD19340326p1">{{Cite news |date=March 26, 1934 |title=Sye, Last Balto Dog, Dies at 17: Husky Seeks Happy Hunting Ground; Leaves Heir |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-sye-last-balto-dog-di/147482016/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728055824/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-sye-last-balto-dog-di/147482016/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As was the case with Balto, Sye's remains were mounted for display by the zoo, initially displayed over the zoo's tiger enclosure.<ref name="PlainD20050324p53">{{Cite news |last=Hively |first=Suzanne |date=March 24, 2005 |title=Bronze monument of famous terrier is in the works |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-bronze-monument-of-famo/150249320/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=E13 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> By 1965, neither the zoo or CMNH could locate the remains of Sye, which are now presumed lost.<ref name="PlainD19650613p49">{{Cite news |last=Mellow |first=Jan |date=June 13, 1965 |title=Where Is Sled Dog? Stuffer Sighs for Sight of Si |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-where-is-sled-dog-stuf/150249453/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=7B |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728055826/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-where-is-sled-dog-stuf/150249453/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sye, Balto and Togo were the only three dogs that participated in the serum run to have had their remains mounted.{{r|PlainD20050324p53}} The monument that was erected at the zoo for the dogs, retroactively regarded as a gravestone,{{r|j765}} was taken out of public display after Balto died.{{r|PlainD19330319p5}} As other zoo buildings were subsequently erected on the site of the former enclosure for Balto's team, the exact site of the graves for Billie, Fox, Moctoc, Slim and Tillie are now unknown.{{r|PlainD20050324p53}}

[[File:Balto_CMNH_Visitor_Hall_Display.jpg|alt=A large, four-sided structure with a glass panel on one side that houses the taxidermy remains of Balto, who is standing on top of a large white platform. At the base of the structure and underneath the white platform is a panel that includes the following text: "Cleveland Rescues the Rescuers... In 1925, an Alaskan sled dog named Balto saved lives in Nome. In 1927, the citizens of Cleveland saved Balto!"|thumb|260x260px|Balto's [[taxidermy]] remains at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History]]

Initially displayed, then placed in storage for several years, Balto was again put on public display in March 1940, coinciding with a [[dog show]] taking place at the [[Public Auditorium]].{{r|PlainD19400310p56}} Displays of Balto were intermittent in the years since, with his remains placed in [[Refrigeration|cold storage]] at all other times.{{r|PlainD19940107p1}} CMNH had so many animals in their collection that it became difficult to display Balto with greater frequency; in 1975, the ''Plain Dealer'' noted Balto's absence as the 50th anniversary of the serum run approached, prompting CMNH to arrange an exhibition.<ref name="PlainD19750129p20">{{Cite news |last=Dolgan |first=Robert |date=January 29, 1975 |title=Hero spends anniversary in seclusion |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-hero-spends-anniversary/150167061/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=8B |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728060333/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-hero-spends-anniversary/150167061/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2000, CMNH centered Balto around exhibits about the serum run and [[Inuit]],{{r|v458}} making his visibility permanent; wildlife resources director Harvey Webster said, "he's an icon&nbsp;... [the serum run is] a story about the remarkable confluences of men and dogs who did the seemingly impossible in short order."{{r|PlainD20150118p31}}

As part of a larger $150&nbsp;million renovation project, Balto's remains were refurbished and reinstalled in CMNH's new Visitor Hall,<ref name="n853">{{cite web |last=Sell |first=Jill |date=October 26, 2023 |title=Organic interests: A trip to the new Cleveland Museum of Natural History Visitor Hall |url=https://www.freshwatercleveland.com/features/CMNH_Visitors_Hall_102623.aspx |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=FreshWater Media, LLC |archive-date=July 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720183701/https://www.freshwatercleveland.com/features/CMNH_Visitors_Hall_102623.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> which opened on October 15, 2023.<ref name="r421">{{cite web |last=Bhatia |first=Kabir |date=October 13, 2023 |title=Cleveland Museum of Natural History reopens Sunday with free visitor hall |url=https://www.ideastream.org/arts-culture/2023-10-13/cleveland-museum-of-natural-history-reopens-sunday-with-free-visitor-hall |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=Ideastream Public Media |archive-date=July 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720183701/https://www.ideastream.org/arts-culture/2023-10-13/cleveland-museum-of-natural-history-reopens-sunday-with-free-visitor-hall |url-status=live }}</ref> Balto is among the museum's eight most iconic specimens that are represented in the Hall.{{r|n853}}<ref name="x596">{{cite web |last=Nickoloff |first=Annie |date=October 13, 2023 |title=Cleveland Museum of Natural History Showcases Beloved Attractions in New, Free Visitor Hall |url=https://clevelandmagazine.com/entertainment/museums-galleries/articles/cleveland-museum-of-natural-history-showcases-its-most-beloved-attractions-in-new-free-visitor-hall |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=Cleveland Magazine |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728060834/https://clevelandmagazine.com/entertainment/museums-galleries/articles/cleveland-museum-of-natural-history-showcases-its-most-beloved-attractions-in-new-free-visitor-hall |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Return visits to Alaska ===
In early 1998, 22 second and third-grade students at Butte Elementary School in [[Palmer, Alaska]],<ref name="PlainD19980214p81">{{Cite news |last=Albrecht |first=Brian E. |date=February 14, 1998 |title=Cleveland to keep Balto |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-cleveland-to-keep-balto/150165087/ |access-date=July 22, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3B |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728060835/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-cleveland-to-keep-balto/150165087/ |url-status=live }}</ref> began a letter and petition drive to return Balto to Alaska after student Cody McGinn did a book report and discovered his remains were in Cleveland.<ref name="Detroi19980309p 24">{{Cite news |last=Chargot |first=Patricia |date=March 9, 1998 |title=Yak's Corner: Alaskan kids want Balto |url=https://newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-yaks-corner-alaskan/151740247/ |access-date=July 22, 2024 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |page=8C |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728060837/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-yaks-corner-alaskan/151740247/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Teacher Dwight Homstad viewed Balto's custody as a two-sided issue and that the students wanted to show the emotional attachment Alaskans still had toward Balto.{{r|PlainD19980214p81}} Alaskan governor [[Tony Knowles (politician)|Tony Knowles]] endorsed the effort, writing to Homstad's class, "During a time of great need in Alaska's history, Balto persevered through treacherous and perilous conditions to save the lives of many Alaskans."<ref name="DailyO19980315p90">{{Cite news |date=March 15, 1998 |title=Kids Campaign For Sled Dog Hero's Return |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-kids-campaign-for-sl/151740445/ |access-date=July 22, 2024 |newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman |location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |page=36 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Reuters |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728061338/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-kids-campaign-for-sl/151740445/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Homstad also contracted for a [[shipping crate]] to be transported to CMNH containing the petitions and a video made of the students writing the petitions.<ref name="AkronB19980406p 1">{{Cite news |last=Musarra |first=Russ |date=April 6, 1998 |title=Cleveland museum to stuffed sled dog: Stay! |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-cleveland-museu/150435583/ |access-date=July 22, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-cleveland-museu/150435623/ A8] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728061339/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-cleveland-museu/150435583/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By July 1998, the [[Alaska State Legislature]] passed a formal proclamation supporting Balto's return to Alaska.<ref name="PlainD19980813p1">{{Cite news |last=McCarthy |first=James F. |date=August 13, 1998 |title=Balto is readied for another run in Northwest: Preserved canine hero on loan to Alaska museum |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-is-readied-for-an/150166065/ |access-date=July 22, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-is-readied-for-an/150166085/ 17A] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728061339/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-balto-is-readied-for-an/150166065/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Homstad also offered the idea of a trade or barter with CMNH for Balto.{{r|PlainD19980214p81}}

{{Quote box
| quote = They were imploring the museum to send our doggie home. And we said: 'Wait a minute. He spent a majority of his life, actually, in Cleveland, and it was the community of Cleveland that saved him from a pretty despicable fate.'
| author = Harvey Webster
| source = wildlife resources director, Cleveland Museum of Natural History{{r|v458}}
| align = left
| width = 260px
}}

CMNH declined both the requests for a permanent return or of shared custody (the latter McGinn advocated for{{r|Detroi19980309p 24}}) citing Balto's purchase by the people of Cleveland, that Balto spent 60&nbsp;percent of his life in Cleveland,{{r|PlainD19980214p81}} and the fragile condition of his remains; one taxidermist estimated that, if properly cared for, a mounted specimen like Balto's can last for up to two lifetimes.{{r|AkronB19980406p 1}} Despite the initial refusal, the effort was soon publicized internationally with coverage in both ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' and [[CNN]]; one museum trustee learned of the dispute while on vacation in [[Indonesia]].{{r|AkronB19980406p 1}} CMNH announced in August 1998 that Balto would be loaned to the [[Anchorage Museum of History and Art]], who paid substantial money to [[insurance|insure]] his mount,{{r|v458}} for six months.{{r|PlainD19980813p1}} The Anchorage Museum previously sought to have Balto displayed in an exhibit tied to the 1988 [[Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race]]<ref name="PlainD19880319p19">{{Cite news |last=Mio |first=Lou |date=March 19, 1988 |title=Husky hero deserves tip of the hat today |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-husky-hero-deserves-tip/150165245/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=4D |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728061340/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-husky-hero-deserves-tip/150165245/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and were in negotiations with CMNH earlier in the year about a loan.{{r|PlainD19980214p81}} Balto was placed in a special crate for the trip to Anchorage with the label "Contents: One Hero Dog",{{r|v458}} and a CMNH curator was present at the museum for the exhibition's duration.{{r|PlainD19980813p1}}

A second exhibition of Balto took place at the Anchorage Museum between March and May 2017;<ref name="v053">{{cite web |last=Ross |first=Mike |date=March 10, 2017 |title=Balto returns: Hero of the serum run visits Alaska |url=https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/content/news/Balto-returns-hero-of-the-serum-run-visits-AK-415821673.html |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=[[KTUU-TV]] |archive-date=July 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720204239/https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/content/news/Balto-returns-hero-of-the-serum-run-visits-AK-415821673.html |url-status=live }}</ref> again, a CMNH registrar accompanied Balto, who was placed in a climate-controlled crate on the flight to Alaska.<ref name="p683">{{cite web |last=DeMarco |first=Laura |date=February 13, 2017 |title=Cleveland's most famous canine, Balto, to visit Alaska |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2017/02/post_158.html |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=The Plain Dealer |archive-date=May 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521085534/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2017/02/post_158.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Balto and Togo were displayed side-by-side as part of the 2017 exhibit.<ref name="w127">{{cite web |last=Reamer |first=David |date=March 2, 2020 |title=Togo was the true hero dog of the serum run; it's about time he got his due |url=https://www.adn.com/alaska-life/2020/03/02/togo-was-the-true-hero-dog-of-the-serum-run-its-about-time-he-got-his-due/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=Anchorage Daily News |archive-date=June 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622213606/https://www.adn.com/alaska-life/2020/03/02/togo-was-the-true-hero-dog-of-the-serum-run-its-about-time-he-got-his-due/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Legacy ==
=== Controversy, rivalries and reevaluation ===
{{Quote box
| quote = The story had already heralded a winner by the time [Leonhard] Seppala made the 100 miles home. It was too complicated to showcase 20 drivers and 150 dogs. The relay as a concept was not as exciting as 'Balto crossed the finish line.'
| author = Gay Salisbury
| source = historian{{r|v458}}
| width = 250px
}}
Controversy continues to surround Balto's celebrity status. Mushers have placed doubt on claims Balto truly led Kaasen's team, based primarily on his prior track record.<ref name="NG20200519">{{cite news |last=Ingram |first=Simon |date=May 19, 2020 |title=When a deadly disease gripped an Alaskan town, a dog saved the day — but history hailed another |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/disease-alaska-serum-run-togo |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926001858/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/disease-alaska-serum-run-togo |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |access-date=July 29, 2024 |work=National Geographic}}</ref> No records exist of Seppala ever having used him as a leader in runs or races prior to 1925, and Seppala himself stated Balto "was never in a winning team"{{sfn|Ricker|1930|p=295}} and was a "scrub dog".{{r|w127}} The pictures and film of Kaasen and Balto in Nome were recreated hours after their arrival once the sun had risen. Speculation still exists as to whether Balto's position as lead was genuine or staged for media purposes due to Balto being a more newsworthy and appealing name than Fox.{{r|p864}}<ref name="macivor">{{cite magazine |last=Macivor |first=Ivor |date=February 6, 1954 |title=The dog honors that strayed |url=https://archive.org/details/sim_saturday-evening-post_1954-02-06_226_32/page/92/mode/2up |access-date=August 19, 2024 |magazine=[[The Saturday Evening Post]] |page=93 |volume=226 |issue=32}}</ref> One 1927 newspaper editorial published after Seppala's claim that Fox actually led Kaasen's team read, "[w]hether 'Balto' or 'Fox' matters little. The performance stands and the nation-wide emotion which it aroused is recorded in history. [[Shakespeare authorship question|Somebody else]] wrote the works of [[Shakespeare]], [[Homer]] was not the author of the ''[[Iliad]]''. The lead dog on that historic trip to Nome was not Balto. What does it matter?"<ref name="Corpus19270321p4">{{Cite news |date=March 21, 1927 |title=Better Now Than In 2027. (Editorial) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/corpus-christi-caller-times-better-now-t/153471542/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=Corpus Christi Caller-Times |location=Corpus Christi, Texas |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819050043/https://www.newspapers.com/article/corpus-christi-caller-times-better-now-t/153471542/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Balto remains more famous to the general public due to the long-held misconceptions about his role.{{r|NG20200519|w127}} While some historians note it is possible Balto led Kaasen's team, he at most likely ran co-lead with Fox rather than running single-lead by himself.{{sfn|Thomas|Thomas|2015|pages=71–73}}

The aftermath of the serum run and the fame awarded to Balto and Kaasen initiated a feud between Seppala, Kaasen and Ed Rohn that lasted for the rest of their lives and has continued to the present day.{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|pp=160–161, 163}} Decorated mushers and others in the surrounding area—including Rohn, based on conversations the two men had before leaving Nome—believed that Kaasen's decision to not wake Rohn at Point Safety was motivated by a desire to grab the glory for himself.{{sfn|Thomas|Thomas|2015|page=71}} Conversely, supporters of Kaasen argue Rohn was inexperienced with mushing in severe weather.{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|p=163}} Despite being the subject of widespread fame alongside Balto, Kaasen rarely spoke about the run in later years and was reluctant to make public appearances. Other mushers and residents also died without providing a full account of their respective roles, making it unlikely for the facts to ever be known.{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|p=147}} The contribution of Alaska Natives, whose teams traveled the majority of the run, is also heavily obscured:{{r|NG20200519|w127}}{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|p=163}} while contributing to the area economy and the absence of language barriers, reporters and filmmakers were disinterested in their feats.{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|pp=254–255}} Many of them died prior to the 1970s, when efforts were made to better preserve Alaskan history, and surviving mushers were given honorary "number one" designations in the early years of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.{{sfn|Salisbury|Salisbury|2003|p=255}}

=== Balto vs. Togo ===
The overlooking of Togo in popular culture has come to the displeasure of mushers, some of whom have reared dogs with [[bloodline]]s traced directly to Seppala's dogs and Togo specifically, something Balto could not do due to being neutered.{{r|v458}} Historian Jeff Dinsdale viewed the narrative around Balto as "heavily dependent on fantasy [that] evolved" to usurp Togo's feats and called Togo "the greatest sled dog of all time, sort of the [[Gordie Howe]] of dog sledding".<ref name="Whiteh19741213p8">{{Cite news |date=December 13, 1974 |title=Sled Dog Talk: Best-ever Lead Dog? |url=https://newspapers.com/article/whitehorse-daily-star-sled-dog-talk-bes/153546020/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |newspaper=Whitehorse Daily Star |location=Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819050057/https://www.newspapers.com/article/whitehorse-daily-star-sled-dog-talk-bes/153546020/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Writer Kenneth Ungermann argued Balto's outsized fame was more a symbol of the feats achieved during the run, writing, "[t]o the American public, the glorified husky was representative of Jack, Dixie, Togo, and every other leader and dog that helped carry the antitoxin and hope to the people of Nome."{{Sfn|Ungermann|1963|p=164}}

In a 2020 [[op-ed]] for the ''[[Anchorage Daily News]]'', historian David Reamer criticized Balto Seppala Park in Anchorage for fostering "the misconception of Balto as the singular hero dog of Nome" and "[a]ny opportunity is a good opportunity to spread the worthy truth of Togo";{{r|w127}} Reamer praised the movie ''[[Togo (film)|Togo]]'' for remedying "a historical misjustice".{{r|NG20200519}} In ranking the top 10 heroic animals for ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'', Katy Steinmetz placed Togo at number one, writing, "the dog that often gets credit&nbsp;... is Balto, but he just happened to run the last&nbsp;... leg in the race. The sled dog who did the lion's share of the work was Togo."<ref name="Steinmetz2011">{{cite magazine |last=Steinmetz |first=Katy |date=March 21, 2011 |title=Top 10 heroic animals: 1. Togo the Sled Dog |url=http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2059858_2059863_2060458,00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129150800/http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2059858_2059863_2060458,00.html |archive-date=January 29, 2020 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |magazine=Time |issn=0040-781X}}</ref> The [[National Park Service]] credits Togo for having "led his team across the most dangerous leg of the journey... though Balto received the credit for saving the town, to those who know more than {{Sic|[[Balto (film)|the Disney story]]}}, Balto is considered the backup dog".<ref name="c372">{{cite web |date=October 17, 1913 |title=Togo |url=https://www.nps.gov/people/togo.htm |access-date=August 18, 2024 |website=[[U.S. National Park Service]]}}</ref> CMNH has recognized Togo as "a superb leader... courageous and strong, smart and possessing an exceptional ability to find the trail and sense danger".<ref name="l575">{{cite web |last=Gambol |first=Lee |date=March 19, 2020 |title=Balto FAQs |url=https://www.cmnh.org/in-the-news/science-blog/march-2020/balto-faq |access-date=August 15, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Museum of Natural History]] |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208042817/https://www.cmnh.org/in-the-news/science-blog/march-2020/balto-faq |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (successor to the Brookside Zoo) unveiled companion statues of Balto and Togo in 1997.{{r|v458}} In 2001, a statue of Togo was unveiled at [[Seward Park (Manhattan)|Seward Park]] in New York City's [[Lower East Side]], and later moved to a prominent position in the park by 2019; a [[change.org]] petition was also launched in late 2019 calling for the removal of Balto's Central Park statue in favor of a statue for Togo.{{r|NG20200519}}

=== Cultural depictions ===
==== Books ====
* [[Alistair MacLean]]'s 1959 novel ''[[Night Without End (novel)|Night Without End]]'' includes a sled dog named Balto, a fictional descendant and namesake of the original Balto.
* The 1966 [[Uncle Scrooge]] comic book ''[[North of the Yukon (Disney comics)|North of the Yukon]]'' centered around the dog "Barko", created by [[Carl Barks]] as a direct homage to Balto.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Andrae |first=Thomas |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CYP2Cj_Gb98C |title=Carl Barks and the Disney Comic Book: Unmasking the Myth of Modernity |date=2006 |publisher=University Press of Mississippi |isbn=978-1-57806-858-6 |edition=1st |location=Jackson, Mississippi |pages=269 |via=Google Books}}</ref>
* In January 1977, [[Margaret Davidson]] wrote ''Balto: The Dog Who Saved Nome'', a children's book containing a telling of Balto's deeds.

==== Film ====
* The 1995 animated feature film ''[[Balto (film)|Balto]]'' is loosely based on Balto and the serum run, but is notable for multiple inaccuracies, including depicting Balto as a [[wolfdog]] and ending the movie with the Central Park statue unveiling.{{r|AkronB19980406p 1}} After [[Steven Spielberg]] announced the film was in development through his [[Amblimation]] studio, CMNH extended an invitation to him to meet Balto's mount,{{r|PlainD19940107p1}} but this request was declined.{{r|AkronB19980406p 1}} Two [[direct-to-video]] sequels, ''[[Balto II: Wolf Quest]]'' and ''[[Balto III: Wings of Change]]'', were later released but contained no historical references.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lenburg |first1=Jeff |url=https://archive.org/details/the-encyclopedia-of-animated-cartoons-third-edition-jeff-lenburg-z-lib.org/page/263/mode/2up |title=The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons |date=2009 |publisher=Checkmark Books |isbn=978-0-8160-6600-1 |edition=3rd |location=New York |pages=262–263}}</ref>
* The 2019 movie ''[[Togo (film)|Togo]]'' centers around Leonhard Seppala and Togo, with Balto getting a brief appearance. Unlike past depictions, Togo's contributions, including completing the serum run's longest and most perilous stretch, are highlighted, and it is made clear Balto got most of the credit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The True Story of Togo: Siberian Husky Sled Dog Hero of 1925 Nome Serum Run |url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/togo-siberian-husky-sled-dog-hero-of-1925 |access-date=February 7, 2022 |website=AKC.org |publisher=American Kennel Club |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728061842/https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/togo-siberian-husky-sled-dog-hero-of-1925/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Slate">{{cite news |last=Kim |first=Violet |date=February 24, 2020 |title=What's Fact and What's Fiction in Togo |url=https://slate.com/culture/2020/01/togo-movie-accuracy-fact-fiction-disney-plus.html |access-date=March 14, 2021 |work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]] |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729194938/https://slate.com/culture/2020/01/togo-movie-accuracy-fact-fiction-disney-plus.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''[[The Great Alaskan Race]]'', also released in 2019 and written/directed by [[Brian Presley]], focuses primarily on Seppala's role but also depicts the heroics of both teams, along with Balto and Togo individually.<ref>{{cite web |last=Harvey |first=Dennis |date=October 24, 2019 |title=Film Review: 'The Great Alaskan Race' |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/the-great-alaskan-race-review-1203380049/ |access-date=October 24, 2020 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027034528/https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/the-great-alaskan-race-review-1203380049/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Scheck |first=Frank |date=October 24, 2019 |title='The Great Alaskan Race': Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/great-alaskan-review-1249812 |access-date=October 24, 2020 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027051022/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/great-alaskan-review-1249812 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="n714">{{cite web |last=Usselmann |first=Sr. Nancy |date=October 22, 2019 |title=The Great Alaskan Race—Perseverance Against All Odds |url=https://media.pauline.org/reviews/ArticleID/923/The-Great-Alaskan-RacePerseverance-Against-All-Odds |access-date=July 27, 2024 |website=Media Studies |publisher=The Daughters of Saint Paul |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728061844/https://media.pauline.org/reviews/ArticleID/923/The-Great-Alaskan-RacePerseverance-Against-All-Odds |url-status=live }}</ref> During production, the film's cast and crew visited Balto's Central Park statue.<ref>{{cite web |author=Coburn, Wesley |date=October 22, 2019 |title=Central Park Balto statue visited by dog of The Great Alaskan Race |url=https://dogoday.com/2019/10/22/central-park-balto-statue/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804201429/https://dogoday.com/2019/10/22/central-park-balto-statue/ |archive-date=August 4, 2023 |access-date=August 4, 2023 |publisher=Fansided}}</ref>

==== Television ====
* The episode "Welcome Home, Balto" of the [[PBS Kids]] series ''[[Molly of Denali]]'' centers around protagonist Molly Mabray learning about Balto's story and being inspired to create a statue of him.<ref name="g115">{{cite web |date=November 6, 2020 |title=Welcome Home Balto Lesson Plan |url=https://thinktv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mod20-ela-welcomebalto-lp/welcome-home-balto-lesson-plan-molly-of-denali/ |access-date=July 28, 2024 |website=PBS LearningMedia |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728204832/https://thinktv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mod20-ela-welcomebalto-lp/welcome-home-balto-lesson-plan-molly-of-denali/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Genome sequencing ==
{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| radius = 100
| caption = Genealogy of Balto{{r|SciMag230428}}
| footer =
| label1 = Siberian huskies
| value1 = 39
| color1 = #3595bb
| label2 = Greenland dogs
| value2 = 18
| color2 = #10a987
| label3 = Samoyeds
| value3 = 6
| color3 = #6d4086
| label4 = Alaskan malamutes
| value4 = 4
| color4 = #465fa7
| label5 = Chinese village dogs
| value5 = 17
| color5 = #da6625
| label6 = New Guinea singing dogs
| value6 = 7
| color6 = #4f3234
| other = yes
| other-color = yellow
| other-label = Other
}}
Balto's [[DNA]] was analyzed and sequenced as part of the Zoonomia Project, an international collaboration that has mapped the [[genome]]s of over 240 mammals.<ref name="q280">{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Mark |last2=Grandoni |first2=Dino |date=April 27, 2023 |title=A genome project cracks mysteries of evolution |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/04/27/balto-dog-mammals-zoonomia/ |access-date=July 24, 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> After being approached by [[Cornell University]] associate professor Heather Huson about including Balto in Zoonomia, CMNH agreed and sent a skin sample to [[University of California, Santa Cruz]] professor Katherine Moon.<ref name="k715">{{cite web |last=Ouellette |first=Jennifer |date=April 27, 2023 |title=Scientists sequenced the genome of Balto, famous sled dog of 1925 "Serum Run" |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/04/scientists-sequenced-the-genome-of-balto-famous-sled-dog-of-1925-serum-run/ |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=Ars Technica |archive-date=July 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724013402/https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/04/scientists-sequenced-the-genome-of-balto-famous-sled-dog-of-1925-serum-run/ |url-status=live }}</ref> CMNH chief science officer Gavin Svenson was enthusiastic about the project and noted advancements in technology have since made it easier to map out genomes from 100-year old DNA.<ref name="u870">{{cite web |last=Sell |first=Jill |date=May 11, 2023 |title='Damn Fine Dog': Genomic sequencing allows researchers to investigate Balto's pedigree |url=https://www.freshwatercleveland.com/features/Balto_DNA_051123.aspx |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=FreshWater Media, LLC |archive-date=July 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726012403/https://www.freshwatercleveland.com/features/Balto_DNA_051123.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Compared with the genomes of 682 modern-day dogs and wolves, in addition to the 240 mammals in Zoonomia,{{r|k715}} Balto's genome was found to be more diverse with fewer unhealthy variants than modern purebred dogs and more similar to today's [[Alaskan husky|Alaskan huskies]] often outcrossed to promote better fitness and health.<ref name="SciAM230427">{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Lauren J. |date=April 27, 2023 |title=The Lifesaving Sled Dog Balto Had Genes unlike Those of Dog Breeds Today |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-life-saving-sled-dog-balto-had-genes-unlike-dog-breeds-today/ |access-date=April 28, 2023 |website=Scientific American |language=en |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428051407/https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-life-saving-sled-dog-balto-had-genes-unlike-dog-breeds-today/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SciMag230428">{{Cite journal |last1=Moon |first1=Katherine |last2=Huson |first2=Heather |last3=Morrill |first3=Kathleen |last4=Wang |first4=Ming-Shan |last5=Li |first5=Xue |last6=Srikanth |first6=Krishnamoorthy |last7=Lindblad-Toh |first7=Kerstin |last8=Svenson |first8=Gavin |last9=Karlsson |first9=Elinor |last10=Shapiro |first10=Beth |date=April 28, 2023 |title=Comparative genomics of Balto, a famous historic dog, captures lost diversity of 1920s sled dogs |journal=Science |volume=380 |issue=6643 |article-number=eabn5887 |doi=10.1126/science.abn5887 |pmid=37104591 |pmc=10184777 }}</ref>

Balto shared part of his ancestry with modern [[Siberian Husky|Siberian huskies]] (39&nbsp;percent) as well as [[Greenland dog]]s (18&nbsp;percent), [[Tugou|Chinese village dogs]] (17&nbsp;percent), [[Samoyed dog|Samoyeds]] (6&nbsp;percent) and [[Alaskan malamute]]s (4&nbsp;percent).{{r|SciMag230428}}<ref name="PopSci230427">{{Cite web |last=Baisas |first=Laura |date=April 27, 2023 |title=How different is Balto, the heroic sled dog, from today's Siberian huskies? |url=https://www.popsci.com/environment/baltos-husky-dog-sled-genetics-dna/ |access-date=April 29, 2023 |website=Popular Science |language=en-US |archive-date=April 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429135849/https://www.popsci.com/environment/baltos-husky-dog-sled-genetics-dna/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Balto had several DNA adaptations that promoted Arctic survival, including a thick double coat, the ability to digest starch, and bone and tissue development.{{r|SciAM230427|PopSci230427}} Researchers were also able to accurately predict how Balto would have looked—fur coat color, eyes and fur thickness—from his surviving DNA, which was cross-referenced with historical photos and his remains.<ref name="p808">{{cite web |last=Orlando |first=Alex |date=December 28, 2023 |title=Who Was Balto the Sled Dog? The Answers May Be Hidden in His Genes |url=https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/who-was-balto-the-sled-dog-the-answers-may-be-hidden-in-his-genes |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=Discover Magazine |archive-date=July 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726143930/https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/who-was-balto-the-sled-dog-the-answers-may-be-hidden-in-his-genes |url-status=live }}</ref> Testing also disproved the urban legend that Balto had grey wolf genetics;{{r|u870}} Moon said, "[h]e was not a wolf, he was just a good boy."{{r|q280}}

== See also ==
* [[List of individual dogs]]
* [[Iditarod Trail]]
* [[Northern (genre)]]
* [[Hachikō]]
* [[Togo (dog)]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{Cite book |last=Ricker |first=Elizabeth M. |url=https://archive.org/details/seppalaalaskando0000leon |title=Seppala: Alaskan dog driver |date=1930 |publisher=[[Little, Brown and Company]] |isbn=978-1-4374-9088-6 |location=Boston, Massachusetts |oclc=876188456}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Salisbury |first1=Gay |url=https://archive.org/details/cruellestmileshe0000sali |title=The Cruelest Miles: The Heroic Story of Dogs and Men in A Race Against an Epidemic |last2=Salisbury |first2=Laney |date=2003 |publisher=[[W. W. Norton & Company]] |isbn=0-393-01962-4 |edition=1st |location=New York, New York}}
* {{Cite book |last=Schilp |first=Jill Lenk |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PF6yDwAAQBAJ |title=Dogs in Health Care: Pioneering Animal-Human Partnerships |date=2019 |publisher=McFarland & Company, Publishers |isbn=978-1-4766-3696-2 |location=Jefferson, North Carolina |access-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729200349/https://books.google.com/books?id=PF6yDwAAQBAJ |url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Thomas |first1=Bob |last2=Thomas |first2=Pat |title=Leonhard Seppala: the Siberian dog and the golden age of sleddog racing 1908-1941 |publisher=Pictorial Histories Publishing Company |date=2015 |isbn=978-1-57510-170-5 |location=Missoula, Montana |oclc=931927411}}
* {{Cite book |last=Ungermann |first=Kenneth A |url=https://archive.org/details/racetonomesto00unge |title=The race to Nome: The story of the heroic Alaskan dog teams that rushed diphtheria serum to stricken Nome in 1925 |date=1963 |publisher=[[Harper & Row, Publishers]] |isbn=978-0-9382-7104-8 |editor-last=Lord |editor-first=Walter |edition=1st |location=New York, New York |oclc=1410275}}{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Balto}}
* [https://case.edu/ech/articles/b/balto Balto] at ''[[The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History]]''

{{Balto}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Balto| ]]
[[Category:1919 animal births]]
[[Category:1933 animal deaths]]
[[Category:American mascots]]
[[Category:American vaudeville performers]]
[[Category:Animal deaths in the United States]]
[[Category:Central Park]]
[[Category:Diphtheria]]
[[Category:Dog sledding]]
[[Category:History of Cleveland]]
[[Category:Individual dogs in the United States]]
[[Category:Nome, Alaska]]
[[Category:Pre-statehood history of Alaska]]
[[Category:Individual taxidermy exhibits]]