His character "Radar" on
M*A*S*H (1972), who showed a fondness for the care
of animals, was actually inspired by Gary's true love for wildlife.
He once worked for the Animal Rehabilitation Clinic in Southern
California, where he nurtured and cared for many species of birds such
as the brown pelican, and many other animals including opossums, gray
squirrels, raccoons and abandoned creatures needing special attention.