Travellers' Choice™ Best of the Best

Meet Crystal: From a Breeding Facility to a Sanctuary of Hope

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.

A Decade in Confinement

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.

A Legislative Victory and a New Beginning

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.

Read More
Name
Crystal
BORN DATE
Est. 2008-2009
RESCUE DATE
5/30/2016
GENDER
Female
FAVORITE FOOD
Beef

From Rescue to Permanency and A Sanctuary of Hope

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.

Watch Crystal's Incredible Story

Milestones

.

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.

hello world!

Crystal's Gallery

sponsor Crystal

Shop Crystal Merch

shop here

Meet Our Other Residents

Lily
Meet Lily, Our White Tiger Lily, along with two servals, Eli and Savannah, were the last three animals left at an educational facility in southern California that shut their doors in 2021. The facility decided they no longer wanted to care for their animals and reached out to Lions Tigers & Bears for help placing […]
Conga
Meet Conga: From Captivity to Compassionate Care Conga the leopard's story at Lions Tigers & Bears is a testament to resilience and the power of compassion in transforming lives. Rescued from the exotic pet trade at just five weeks old, Conga's journey from abandonment to sanctuary life showcases her strength and the dedicated care she […]
Spirit
Meet Spirit, Our Miniature Horse Spirit the miniature horse is best friends with a miniature donkey named Jack. The pair are very bonded, and Spirit is a sort of "security blanket" for her mini donkey friend. Spirit is super cute on the outside, but it's her inner being that makes her well suited to her […]
1 2 3 25

Watch More Videos on s

hello world!
The Art of Camouflage in the Tiger's World | Lions Tigers & Bears | San Diego Animal Sanctuary
Threats Facing Tigers Today and Our Efforts to Help | Lions Tigers & Bears
The Tiger Dilemma: How We Can Help | Lions Tigers & Bears | San Diego Animal Sanctuary

Read More Related Articles

23/08/28 | By: Bobbi Brink
The Joy That Children with Disabilities Find at Lions Tigers & Bears
Interacting with animals, including lions, tigers, bears, cows, tortoises, horses, and other creatures, can have profound therapeutic benefits for children with disabilities. These interactions offer unique opportunities for sensory stimulation, emotional connection, boosted confidence, and personal growth. Children with disabilities often face a significant amount of stress, which can hinder their healing. The presence of animals offers a needed […]
Read more
25/06/24 | By: Bobbi Brink
Alpacas vs. Llamas: What’s the Difference & Why It Matters
Animals have a magical way of drawing us in. Whether it’s the wide-eyed curiosity of a rescued tiger or the gentle hum of an alpaca, they remind us of the beauty of connection, compassion, and coexistence. At Lions Tigers & Bears, we’ve always welcomed animals in need—big or small, fierce or fluffy. And now, we’re […]
Read more
25/02/27 | By: Bobbi Brink
Paws & Play: How Big Cats and Exotic Animals Stay Entertained
Have you ever watched a cat bat around a toy or pounce on a string, utterly captivated by the thrill of the chase? Magnify that curiosity and power a hundredfold, and you’ll start to glimpse how big cats and exotic animals play—both in the wild and in their sanctuary environments. Play is integral to an […]
Read more
1 2 3 25

Ph: 619.659.8078
Fx: 619.659.8841
[email protected]
24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA 91901

Donate today
Contact
eCalendar
Privacy Policy
Site Map

Subscribe for our newsletter & get the latest news, exclusive deals, and to hear amazing stories of our rescued animals!

Subscription Form
© Lions Tigers & Bears. All Rights Reserved.
501(c)(3) Federal Tax ID #33-0938499
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram