Bob Barker remembered as 'strong voice for animals' in Canada, says wildlife advocate

Television host Bob Barker charmed viewers on 'The Price is Right,' but it's his 'strong voice for animals' that one Canadian wildlife advocate says will be irreplaceable.

Television host Bob Barker charmed viewers on "The Price is Right," but it's his "strong voice for animals" that one Canadian wildlife advocate says will be irreplaceable.

Julie Woodyer, campaigns director at Zoocheck, knew Barker for years as they collaborated on both successful and failed efforts to free animals from captivity at Canada's zoos.

She says Barker brought a determination and generosity that was unmatched by other celebrities, often opening his chequebook to support the cause and willingly making public appearances to raise awareness.

"I just can't imagine there will be somebody to replace that ever," Woodyer said in a phone interview.

Barker died on Saturday from natural causes at the age of 99.

Earlier in his career, he had established himself as a vocal advocate for animal rights, most famously with his "Price is Right" signoff where he reminded viewers to spay or neuter their pets. The message was aided by his own DJ&T Foundation, founded in 1995, which sought to reduce the overpopulation of domestic animals by lowering the cost of sterilization.

Woodyer first connected with the TV host and his partner Nancy Burnet over email in 2010 as Zoocheck -- in co-operation with other animal rights organizations --attempted to free Lucy the elephant from the Edmonton Valley Zoo.