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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Crystal's Gallery

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Meet Our Other Residents

Rocky
Rocky had a unique past as a former entertainment bear in the film industry. When his "retirement" finally came, he found himself at a Southern California boarding facility, which, unfortunately, was far too small to accommodate a bear of his size. Recognizing the need for a better life for Rocky, Bobbi stepped in to provide […]
Jem
In May 2021, our team participated in a large-scale rescue at Tiger King Park in Oklahoma. A total of 69 big cats were removed from that facility by the U.S. Department of Justice due to ongoing Endangered Species Act violations and are now in the care of reputable sanctuaries across the United States. Bobbi was […]
Phevos
Remembering Phevos, Our Gentle Tiger On September 22, 2015 Phevos the tiger peacefully passed away. Phevos' health had been on a slow decline over the last two months of his life. He had progressively shown signs of pain and became increasingly withdrawn from his normal interests and activities. His appetite had steadily decreased, making our ability […]
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The Tiger Dilemma: How We Can Help | Lions Tigers & Bears | San Diego Animal Sanctuary

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