Born in 1919, Balto rose to fame as an Alaskan husky and sled dog under the care of musher Leonhard Seppala. His legendary status was sealed during the 1925 serum run to Nome, a life-saving mission to combat a diphtheria outbreak in Alaska. Balto's role was crucial during the serum run's final leg, leading a team driven by Gunnar Kaasen through treacherous conditions. They successfully delivered the serum to Nome, saving lives and becoming heroes. Despite the mission's success, Balto and Kaasen became celebrities, sparking controversy and overshadowing the contributions of other sled dogs like Togo.

Following the run, Balto lived a comfortable life at the Cleveland Zoo until his death on March 14, 1933, at the age of 14. His body was mounted and displayed in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, where it remains today. Genetic analysis of Balto's remains revealed a diverse genome with fewer unhealthy variants, similar to modern Alaskan huskies.

Controversy surrounded Balto's fame, with debates about his actual role as a lead dog during the serum run. Critics questioned his track record and speculated on the authenticity of his position in media coverage. Despite this, Balto's statue was erected in New York City's Central Park, becoming a symbol of the indomitable spirit of sled dogs. Balto's contributions have been  depicted in various cultural references, literature, and films, including the 2019 Disney film "Togo," where his role in the serum run is more accurately portrayed. 

• Balto with Gunnar Kaasen (public domain)

Balto's body at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History