Travellers' Choice™ Best of the Best
At Lions Tigers & Bears, we are committed to rescuing animals from dire situations and providing them with a safe, nurturing environment. Crystal the tiger's story is one of survival, resilience, and transformation. Her journey from a harsh breeding facility to our sanctuary highlights the critical need for ongoing community education and support.
Crystal, along with her companion Hank, spent the first decade of her life in prison-like conditions at an Ohio exotic animal breeding facility. This facility was shut down when Ohio enacted SB 310—the Ohio Dangerous Wild Animals Act—in 2014. The law was passed following a tragic incident in Zanesville in 2011, where a mentally ill man released over 60 wild animals into the streets, prompting Ohio to implement strict regulations on exotic animal trade and ownership.
Lions Tigers & Bears founder Bobbi Brink played a crucial role in passing this legislation. Following its enactment, Bobbi and the LTB team rescued and relocated over 200 animals from Ohio, including Crystal and Hank. Along with mountain lions Punkin and Melanie from the same facility, Crystal and Hank were brought to our sanctuary while the Ohio Department of Agriculture investigated their previous living conditions.
In the spring of 2018, Lions Tigers & Bears was granted full legal custody of Crystal, Hank, Punkin, and Melanie, four tigers rescued from a notorious breeding facility that produced over 200 cats for the exotic animal trade. Crystal, like many others, endured immense suffering, including declawing and repeated breeding. Despite her traumatic past, she has shown extraordinary resilience and strength.
Crystal’s transformation at our sanctuary is a powerful example of the impact of compassionate care. Free from the pain and fear she once knew, Crystal now thrives in a safe and supportive environment where she can heal. Her journey underscores the critical work we do to rescue and rehabilitate animals who have endured unimaginable hardships.
Crystal’s story is also a call to action. Through community outreach and education, we aim to raise awareness about the exotic animal trade and promote support for accredited sanctuaries. By sponsoring Crystal, you can help provide the medical care, nutritious food, and enriching environment she needs to flourish. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for animals like Crystal.
Visit us at Lions Tigers & Bears to meet Crystal and learn more about her incredible journey. Her story, like many others, exemplifies the positive change we can bring about with your support. You can also play a vital role in Crystal’s ongoing care and well-being by sponsoring her. Your sponsorship helps provide medical care, nutritious food, and an enriching environment she needs to flourish. Together, we can give Crystal the life she deserves.
December 2014
Lions Tigers & Bears founder Bobbi Brink played a pivotal role in passing SB 310, which led to the shutdown of the Ohio breeding facility. Following the law’s enactment, over 200 animals, including Crystal and Hank, were rescued and relocated to the sanctuary.
Spring 2018
In 2018, Lions Tigers & Bears was granted full legal custody of Crystal, Hank, Punkin, and Melanie after years of dedicated care, ensuring their permanent home at the sanctuary.
2014
Crystal spent the first decade of her life in prison-like conditions at an Ohio exotic animal breeding facility, which was shut down in 2014 due to a law that regulated exotic animal trade and ownership.
Today
Today, Crystal thrives in the sanctuary, enjoying a life free from pain and fear. Her transformation from a breeding facility survivor to a flourishing resident at Lions Tigers & Bears is a testament to the power of compassion and care.
Ph: 619.659.8078
Fx: 619.659.8841
[email protected]
24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA 91901
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