Maine “Bambi” Model with Walt Disney (1938)
The Maine Department of Economic Development had a hand in delivering two white tail deer from Maine to the Disney studios in 1938, in response to a request for model photographs for the animation artists in the forthcoming movie Bambi.
In 1968, the Department recalled its role, with the help of Maurice “Jake” Day of Damariscotta, in designing the image of the “star” in the movie. (more about Maine movies)
Click the 1968 press release to enlarge it. The 1938 photo accompanied the release.
Bambi Press Release of 1968
You had an story a few years ago about Bambi. There was a picture of Disney feeding a fawn. The caption states: Maine “Bambi” Model with Walt Disney (1930). of course we know the 1930 is wrong, but I have the same picture from a Disney site labeling the deer as Faline. Were any pictures taken of these deer while they were in Maine? and Is there any evidence of which one is which?
Thanks for the heads up on the photo. I have updated the caption. Since it accompanied the press release, I assumed it was intended to be Bambi. I have no info on a photo with Faline, though there are many “Bambi” photos on line.