Kolar was born in a zoo in Bandon Oregon in May of 1991. He came to Charlie and Wild Things shortly after where he became one of Charlie's biggest contributing factors for what Wild Things is today. Kolar traveled the entire country with Charlie, working on such noted projects as Exxon, National Geographic and much more.

But more important than any of that, Kolar was one of Charlie's best friends ever. Having chased Charlie down the beaches of Monterey for 10 years, never once did he ever put his mouth on him, even when he caught Charlie and all the while with photographers clicking away to catch that one special moment as Davis Lynn Photography did one day (above) and so many people enjoy to this very day.

We are often reminded of how special Kolar was for few days go by before we see a photo of him on yet another coffee mug, book cover, advertising and countless other forms of media. His soft gentle demeanor made him a joy to work with and a true star to the many who worked with him.

On October 12, 2011, Kolar left us. He'd been battling lung cancer for several years, most of which he was made very comfortable on medications. He had a very full life; in longevity,  fulfillment and friendship. And for those who believe in such (and Charlie does believe...) Kolar now joins Josef, Brandi, Chui, Georgia and several others of the original crew that together with Charlie, founded Wild Things and are responsible for what it is today. Together, they'll wait for Charlie to join them once again in a better place where they'll never be separated again.

Kolar was laid to rest next to Josef and Brandi ~ where Lions, Tigers and Bears is now a matter of fact again. The ranch shut down the morning of his passing to allow Charlie and staff to comfortably and respectfully care for him with no other traffic on the ranch.  A very sad day at Wild Things for as fate would have it, another old timer and faithful friend departed on the same day, our leopard Chui. Click here to learn more about Chui

In Charlie's eyes, it's not just the loosing of a loved one that hurts so bad, it's the waiting to be with them again. But its the believe in what he's waiting for that keeps him and the rest of the staff at Wild Things doing what they do ~ in loving memory of Kolar and all the others.