Travellers' Choice™ Best of the Best

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.

Read More
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

.

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

.

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.

.

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

.

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

hello world!

Kallie's Gallery

sponsor Kallie

Meet Our Other Residents

Crystal
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 […]
Zulu
Meet Zulu, Our African Lion Zulu was rescued at the age of 14, along with two other lions, Arusha and Lufuno in April 2017, after their private owner and former animal trainer decided to relinquish the trio to Lions Tigers & Bears. Zulu was used as an animal performer in movies, television and live shows […]
Donashello
Meet Our Tortoise, Donashello It's official! We have our first ever shelled rescue. Weighing in at 100 pounds, this 15 year old sulcata tortoise is now calling Lions Tigers & Bears their forever home. His previous owners were elderly and could no longer care for him, so they reached out to us for help and we have […]
1 2 3 25

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.

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

24/09/12 | By: Bobbi Brink
The Importance of Volunteers at an Animal Sanctuary: Making a Difference Daily
Ever thought about making a real difference in the lives of animals? Volunteering at an animal sanctuary is one of the most rewarding ways to do just that. It allows you to interact with and care for the animals in need and be a part of something bigger. But if this is your first time […]
Read more
25/07/09 | By: Bobbi Brink
Speech by Bobbi Brink at 2025's Wild in the Country Fundraiser
On May 17th, 2025, Lions Tigers & Bears founder and director Bobbi Brink took the stage at Wild in the Country 2025 - the sanctuary’s largest annual fundraiser, to share her powerful vision for rescuing wildlife and ending the exotic animal trade. Below is her full speech, a rallying cry for compassion and action that […]
Read more
23/10/16 | By: Bobbi Brink
Interpreting the Many Sounds and Calls of Bears
More and more research is shedding new light on animal communication in general and specifically bears. Bears make different sounds and calls to communicate with each other and/or a perceived threat. These sounds can range from chuffing and whimpers to huffs, growls, and moans. Each of these sounds has a distinct meaning and provides valuable insights […]
Read more
1 2 3 26

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