The Robins are from Scotland. In 1976, they purchased a grizzly bear cub at a wildlife park for only 50 pounds and named it Hercules, meaning the god of strength. The husband, Andy, planned to train it as a boxing sparring partner. Over the next 25 years, Hercules gradually became the most famous bear in the world, not only appearing in advertisements but also starring in a James Bond film alongside famous actor Roger Moore. Because of his incredible ability to generate income, Hercules was known as the "Million-Dollar Bear."
British television also produced a documentary about the Robins and Hercules titled "The Human Bear," which chronicles the deep bond between the three over 25 years. In the documentary, one can see that Hercules was incredibly intelligent, capable of opening doors to join the couple for breakfast.
His wife, Maggie, said: "He doesn't eat wild food; he has refined taste buds. In the morning, he drinks coffee with milk and sugar, and eats bread, eggs, and beans. In the evening, he eats meat and a potato and carrot stew, and sometimes he even steals beer. He really enjoys the feeling of being drunk."
Hercules is the only bear in the world to have appeared on the cover of Time magazine, and he was also a star on the BBC.
In 1998, Hercules began to experience health problems and was unable to walk after waking from hibernation. A year later, Hercules underwent spinal surgery, but he passed away on February 4, 2000.