OH MY!

Lions Tigers & Bears Sanctuary welcomes visitors

Photos Courtesy of Lions Tigers & Bears Sanctuary

Located in the mountains of the Cleveland National Forest, Lions Tigers & Bears is celebrating twenty years of providing a home for abused and abandoned animals. The nonprofit rescue facility, which is San Diego’s only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, began as a scramble for a safe space to house two abandoned pet tigers. Through the past twenty years, it has evolved into a globally accredited, model sanctuary that’s home to more than sixty-five lions, tigers, bears, mountain lions, leopards, bobcats, servals, and ranch animals.

The organization’s founder and director, Bobbi Brink, has coordinated the rescue of more than one thousand exotic animals to date, bringing them from horrendous living conditions to accredited sanctuaries around the country, including her own. Today, the Lions Tigers & Bears rescue team has a state-of-the-art, self-contained eighteen-wheel animal rescue hauler. This vehicle provides a safe space for the animals to make them as comfortable as possible on what can often be a confusing transition for the animals on their journey to their new home. Bobbi and her team are often law enforcement’s first call for animal rescue, as they are one of the only sanctuaries in the country equipped to rescue, transport, and provide veterinary care to these animals. 

“We’re the voice for these animals, and it’s my greatest passion to rescue them from the exotic animal trade,” Bobbi says. “There’s so much suffering that stems from this heinous industry, but one animal at a time, we’re stopping the cycle of animal abuse and exploitation for profit. I’m proud to be educating visitors at Lions Tigers & Bears on a weekly basis about how a true sanctuary runs and how people can protect animals.”

Over the past two years, wildfire evacuations, COVID-19 closures, and supply chain setbacks affected the sanctuary’s ability to fundraise and build new habitats. Now, guests are invited to experience the sanctuary through guided visits, behind-the-scenes experiences, overnight stays at a luxury rental home, and more.

Tours must be arranged in advance online and there are a few intriguing options. You can sign up for a “Member for a Day” tour and enjoy a two-hour guided visit of the sanctuary and ranch, meet the big cats and exotic animals, and learn more about them and their rescue stories. Or you can opt for the added thrill of helping to feed one of the big cats or bears through the “Feed with a Keeper” experience. There is also an “Exclusive Behind the Scenes” offering where visitors are guided around the sanctuary grounds and have an opportunity to feed multiple big cats and bears. A no-contact policy is strictly enforced, and no hands-on animal interactions are allowed. All habitats have a secondary perimeter fence to prevent visitors from coming within three feet of the animals. 

Situated in the mountain countryside near Alpine, the sanctuary is rustic and surrounded by nature. If you want to linger, consider booking an overnight stay at the White Oaks Wild Nights luxury two-bedroom rental home located on the property. You may waken to the roar of a big cat instead of a rooster.

TOUR OPTIONS
Member for a Day
Wed–Thu | 10:30 am
Fri–Sat | 10 am & 1:30 pm
Adults: $46; Children $26

Feed with a Keeper
Wed–Thu | 10:30 am
Fri–Sat | 10 am & 1:30 pm
Adults over 18 only
Wed–Fri $143 | Sat: $146

Exclusive Behind the Scenes
Tues | 8:30 am, 11 am, & 1:30 pm
Wed–Sat | 9 am, 11:30 am, & 2 pm
2 Adults: $500 donation

RESERVATIONS & INFO
lionstigersandbears.org