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Meet Kallie: Overcoming All Odds

At Lions Tigers & Bears, every rescue comes with a unique story of struggle and triumph, and Kallie the tiger’s journey is nothing short of miraculous. Kallie is one of four big cats that found a new home with us after being rescued from a defunct drive-thru roadside zoo in Oklahoma. Her past is a harrowing testament to the resilience of these magnificent animals and the dedication of those who work tirelessly to give them a second chance at life.


A Life of Suffering and Isolation

Kallie’s early years were marked by pain and isolation. She was terribly declawed, a cruel practice that left her with permanent damage and suffering from metabolic bone disease. For years, she was housed alone in a dilapidated enclosure, her world confined to a small, neglected space. Eventually, she was abandoned in a field, scared and timid, left to fend for herself.


A Painful Journey to Healing

When Kallie arrived at our sanctuary, it was clear she needed immediate medical attention. She had fractured her left leg, requiring surgery where two steel plates were inserted into her radius and ulna. Despite the surgery, Kallie developed an antibiotic-resistant infection, and her caretakers faced a heart-wrenching decision. The only options were euthanasia or amputation. After careful consideration, our founder Bobbi made the call to move forward with the amputation, hoping to give Kallie a pain-free life.


A New Beginning

Almost immediately after the amputation, Kallie’s pain subsided significantly. Her journey to recovery began in earnest, supported by our dedicated team of keepers and veterinary staff. Her habitat was specially adjusted to include railings and soft grass, helping her navigate her new life on three legs. Kallie still faces challenges ahead. She has two more surgical procedures to endure: she needs to be spayed, and repairs must be made to her remaining front leg, still bearing the scars of her horrific declawing. But Kallie’s spirit remains unbroken. Every day, she shows us her incredible strength and resilience, adapting to her new circumstances with grace and courage.

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Name
Kallie
BORN DATE
Unknown
RESCUE DATE
6/1/2022
GENDER
Female
FAVORITE FOOD
Chicken

A Beacon of Hope

Kallie’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of our mission at Lions Tigers & Bears. Her transformation from a scared, neglected tiger to a confident, thriving resident of our sanctuary is a testament to the impact of compassion and dedicated care. As Kallie continues to heal and adjust, she embodies the hope we strive to give every animal that comes through our doors.

Visit us at Lions Tigers & Bears to meet Kallie and learn more about her incredible journey. Her story, like many others, is a poignant example of the difference we can make together. You can also play a vital role in Kallie’s ongoing care and recovery by sponsoring her. Your sponsorship helps provide medical treatment, nutritious food, and an enriching environment she needs to thrive. Together, we can give Kallie the life she deserves.

Watch Kallie's Incredible Story

Milestones

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June 2022
One of four big cats that was rescued from a defunct drive-thru roadside zoo in Oklahoma.

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May 2023
Kallie fractures here leg due to a metabolic bone disease. She has an emergency surgical procedure. Veterinarians place metal plates to secure the fractured bone.

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June 2023
Kallie receives a lifesaving surgery, amputating her leg due to complications from the fractured bone. The surgery was a huge success.

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June 2023
Kallie was reintroduced to her habitat. we modified her home with softer grass to assist with her rehabilitation

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Kallie's Gallery

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Meet Our Other Residents

Tuffy
Remembering Tuffy, Our African Serval In May 2016 we had to say goodbye to Tuffy the Serval. Tuffy passed away peacefully in his sleep. In September of 2004, at the approximate age of five, Tuffy arrived at Lions Tigers & Bears. He quickly became buddies with Gizmo, our eldest bobcat. Tuffy was the lone serval of […]
Natasha
Remembering Natasha, Our Talkative Tiger  In November 2015 our beloved matriarch tiger, Natasha, passed away. She was 19 years old. Natasha and her mate, Raja, were the founding tigers of Lions Tigers & Bears. The pair were rescued from Texas where they were being kept in a 6' x 12' chain link cage with concrete […]
Baloo
Meet Baloo, Our Himalayan Black Bear Baloo was born at Tote-em-in Zoo in Wilmington, North Carolina, along with his brother Teddy. They were the offspring of Luna Bear, a Himalayan black bear who lived at Tote-em-in Zoo. A couple frequented the zoo to visit with Luna Bear and over time got to know the owners […]
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FAQ's

What do tigers eat?

Tigers are carnivores and primarily eat large prey such as deer, wild boar, and buffalo. They are powerful hunters and can take down animals much larger than themselves.

Where do tigers live?

Tigers are found in diverse habitats across Asia, including dense forests, mangrove swamps, grasslands, and even snowy mountains. Their range includes countries like India, Russia, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

How long do tigers live?

In the wild, tigers typically live 10-15 years, while in captivity, with proper care, they can live up to 20-25 years due to medical attention, a steady diet, and protection from threats.

Are tigers social animals?

No, tigers are solitary by nature. They establish large territories and usually only come together for mating or when a mother is raising her cubs. Each tiger marks its territory to keep others away.

How fast can tigers run?

Tigers can reach speeds of up to 35-40 mph (56-64 km/h) in short bursts, usually when ambushing prey. However, they rely more on stealth and power than speed when hunting.

Are tigers endangered?

Yes, tigers are endangered. Habitat destruction, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict have drastically reduced their population. There are fewer than 4,500 tigers left in the wild today.

How many tigers are in captivity?

There are an estimated 5,000–10,000 tigers in captivity worldwide, with more in captivity in the U.S. alone than in the wild. Many are kept in roadside zoos, private ownership, or breeding facilities that exploit them for entertainment and profit. Sanctuaries like Lions Tigers & Bears work to rescue tigers from these situations and provide them with lifelong, ethical care.

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