Travellers' Choice™ Best of the Best

Meet Liberty, Our Black Bear

Liberty holds a special place in the hearts of Lions Tigers & Bears'"' (LTB), and that's why her habitat is known as "Liberty's Station." She was the very first black bear to find a home at LTB, and her story is a testament to the power of rescue and compassion.

Much like Meatball, Liberty's journey to LTB began in the wild. As a cub, she was separated from her mother and learned to fend for herself in the campgrounds near Mt. Baldy, California.
Yearling bears like Liberty naturally leave their mothers to establish their own territories. Unfortunately, when these young bears venture into campgrounds where campers are not practicing bear safety, their chances of survival become bleak.

In a rare and heartwarming act of compassion, an officer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife couldn't bear to witness yet another yearling bear facing euthanasia. Instead, he took the extraordinary step of reaching out to LTB.

On the 4th of July in 2009, Liberty made her way to LTB, accompanied by the very agent who had saved her. This brave officer's children had a special role in this rescue-they gave her the name "Liberty."
Liberty's story not only symbolizes freedom and hope but also serves as a reminder of the incredible difference that can be made through acts of kindness and compassion towards wildlife in need.

Read More
Name
Liberty
BORN DATE
Est. February 2008
RESCUE DATE
7/4/2009
GENDER
Female
FAVORITE FOOD
Salmon, Avocado, Eggs and Anything Sweet

In a rare and heartwarming act of compassion, an officer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife couldn't bear to witness yet another yearling bear facing euthanasia. Instead, he took the extraordinary step of reaching out to LTB.

On the 4th of July in 2009, Liberty made her way to LTB, accompanied by the very agent who had saved her. This brave officer's children had a special role in this rescue-they gave her the name "Liberty."
Liberty's story not only symbolizes freedom and hope but also serves as a reminder of the incredible difference that can be made through acts of kindness and compassion towards wildlife in need.

Watch Liberty's Incredible Story

Milestones

.

Separated from Her Mother (2008) – As a young cub, Liberty was separated from her mother and began fending for herself in the campgrounds near Mt. Baldy, California, scavenging for food left by campers.

.

Rescue Intervention (Summer 2009) – Facing the grim fate of euthanasia, Liberty was saved by a compassionate California Department of Fish and Wildlife officer, who reached out to Lions Tigers & Bears for help.

.

Arrived at Lions Tigers & Bears (July 4, 2009) – On Independence Day, Liberty was transported to her new home at LTB, where she became the very first black bear to be rescued by the sanctuary. The officer’s children named her “Liberty” in honor of her newfound freedom.

.

Living Her Best Life (Present Day) – Now thriving in her habitat, aptly named "Liberty’s Station," she enjoys the companionship of other rescued bears, a well-balanced diet, and the care and safety she deserves.

hello world!

Liberty's Gallery

sponsor Liberty

Shop Liberty Merch

shop here

Meet Our Other Residents

Raja
Remembering Raja, Our Spirited Tiger Raja and his mate, Natasha, were the founding tigers of Lions Tigers & Bears. Raja came to us with Natasha in September 2002 from a backyard owner in Texas where they were kept in a 6' x 12' chain link cage with concrete floors, and no shade or shelter to protect […]
Cherry Bomb
Meet Cherry Bomb, Our Grizzly Bear In 2019, Brother Albert sadly passed away after battling cancer, leaving a void in the lives of those who cared for him. Cherry Bomb, his companion through their shared experiences, had a journey fraught with challenges. Cherry Bomb and her brother Albert had a difficult start in life. They were […]
Sallie
In October 2022, Susie and Sallie found their long-awaited freedom when they were rescued from the Tri-State Zoological Park in Maryland. This facility had been a defunct roadside zoo that had facedmultiple animal welfare violations over the years, ultimately leading to its closure. The path to this rescue was a lengthy and challenging one. PETA […]
1 2 3 25

FAQ's

What do bears eat?

Bears are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet varies by species and season but typically includes berries, nuts, roots, insects, fish, and small mammals. Some bears, like grizzlies, are skilled hunters, while others, like black bears, rely more on foraging.

Where do bears live?

Bears are found across North America, Europe, Asia, and even parts of South America. They inhabit a variety of ecosystems, including forests, mountains, tundras, and coastal regions. Each species has its own preferred habitat, such as polar bears in the Arctic and black bears in dense woodlands.

How long do bears live?

In the wild, bears typically live 15-25 years, depending on the species and environmental factors. In captivity, with proper care and veterinary attention, they can live over 30 years.

Are bears social animals?

No, most bears are solitary, except for mothers raising cubs. However, some species, like grizzlies, may gather in groups when food is abundant, such as during salmon runs. Bears communicate through body language, vocalizations, and scent markings.

How fast can bears run?

Despite their size, bears are surprisingly fast. Depending on the species, they can run between 30-40 mph (48-64 km/h) in short bursts. Black bears are particularly agile climbers, while grizzlies have immense power for chasing down prey or defending themselves.

Are bears endangered?

Some bear species are endangered due to habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change. For example, polar bears are at risk due to melting sea ice, while Asiatic black bears are hunted for the illegal wildlife trade. Other species, like American black bears, have stable populations but still face threats from human-wildlife conflict.

How many bears are in captivity?

Thousands of bears are held in captivity worldwide, often in roadside zoos, circuses, or private ownership. Many are used for entertainment, bred for the exotic pet trade, or kept in small enclosures with inadequate care. Sanctuaries like Lions Tigers & Bears rescue and rehabilitate bears from these situations, giving them a safe and natural environment to live out their lives.

Watch More Videos on s

hello world!
Interpreting the Many Sounds and Calls of Bears | Lions Tigers & Bears | Exotic Animal Sanctuary
Why Bears Should Remain in Their Natural Environment | Lions Tigers & Bears Animal Sanctuary
Bears and Their Keen Sense of Smell | Lions Tigers & Bears | San Diego's Exotic Animal Sanctuary

Read More Related Articles

24/06/27 | By: Bobbi Brink
King of the Jungle - Exploring Lion Behaviors, Diet, & Social Structure
With its powerful roar and magnificent mane, the lion has excited the human mind for ages. Typically known as the king of the jungle, these apex predators play a significant role in balancing an ecosystem. Beyond the lion’s iconic image lies an interesting yet complex social animal with highly organized behavior. So, what’s special about […]
Read more
24/02/14 | By: Bobbi Brink
Love in the Wild: Valentine’s Day Special – Animal Edition
As we approach the season of love, our hearts are drawn to the untamed beauty of the animal kingdom, where affectionate bonds and unique connections unfold in the most unexpected places. This Valentine's Day, join us for a heartwarming journey into the wild as we celebrate the extraordinary love stories of the residents at Lions […]
Read more
24/06/20 | By: Bobbi Brink
The Nefarious Nature of Roadside Zoos & Unaccredited Animal Attractions
On the road, you often see a roadside attraction that makes you want to pull over to see playful monkeys, majestic tigers, lion cub petting, and more. These attractions might seem innocent, but they hide something incredibly disturbing: the unethical use of wild animals for monetary gain. Seeing these animals in such events may leave […]
Read more
1 2 3 28

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

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