Travellers' Choice™ Best of the Best

Mia initially served as the household pet of a man in Wyoming. She lived in his house, which required him to make various lifestyle adjustments to accommodate her. Vacations became a rarity, as the presence of Mia was associated with shredded curtains, scratched and clawed furniture, and pervasive scent markings throughout the entire house. Socializing and having guests over was challenging, as Mia had a tendency to bite anyone who came into her space.

Read More
Name
Mia
BORN DATE
7/28/2002
RESCUE DATE
11/9/2011
GENDER
Female
FAVORITE FOOD
Chicken

Mia's situation serves as a clear reminder of why exotic animals are not suited to being kept as pets. Her owner, despite his affection for her, recognized the need for change and expressed to Bobbi that Wyoming should cease issuing permits that allow wild animals to be kept as pets. This issue aligns with the efforts of Lions Tigers & Bears, who have been actively working to advocate for legislation prohibiting the private ownership of wild animals.

When Mia's owner was no longer able to care for her, he reached out to LTB to find her a new home. Upon her arrival at Lions Tigers & Bears, Mia had to adapt to a very different life, transitioning to an outside habitat and becoming acquainted with other bobcats, an opportunity she had never had before.

Watch Mia's Incredible Story

Milestones

.

Life as a Household Pet (2002-2011):
Mia was born on July 28, 2002, and spent the first nine years of her life as a household pet in Wyoming. Her owner made significant sacrifices to accommodate her, dealing with the challenges of living with a wild animal—shredded furniture, scent markings, and her aggressive tendencies toward visitors.

.

Owner's Realization and Advocacy (2011):
Despite his love for Mia, her owner recognized the unsuitability of keeping a wild animal as a pet. He contacted Bobbi Brink and Lions Tigers & Bears, not only to rehome Mia but also to express his belief that Wyoming should stop issuing permits allowing wild animals to be kept as pets. His story became a part of LTB’s advocacy efforts to end the private ownership of wild animals.

.

Rescue and Relocation to Lions Tigers & Bears (November 9, 2011):
After nine years in captivity, Mia was rescued by Lions Tigers & Bears. This marked a turning point in her life as she transitioned to a more natural environment in a state-of-the-art habitat designed for bobcats.

.

Adapting to a New Life and Community:
For the first time, Mia was able to live outside, explore a spacious habitat, and interact with other bobcats, something she had never experienced before. Her journey serves as a powerful testament to the importance of providing wild animals with a proper environment where they can thrive.

hello world!

Mia's Gallery

sponsor Mia

Shop Mia Merch

shop here

Meet Our Other Residents

Teddy
Teddy was born at Tote-em-in Zoo in Wilmington, North Carolina, along with his brother Baloo. 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 of the small roadside zoo. After Luna […]
Margarito
Meet Margarito, Our Cow Rescue story coming soon. Stay tuned!
Liberty
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. […]
1 2 3 25

Watch More Videos on s

hello world!
The Dangers of Cub Petting: Why It's Harmful and Unethical | Lions Tigers & Bears
Captivity Cruelty: The Dark Side of Private Wildlife Ownership | Lions Tigers & Bears | San Diego
An Urgent Crisis: Unraveling the Impact of the Illegal Wildlife Trade | Lions Tigers & Bears

Read More Related Articles

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
24/01/25 | By: Bobbi Brink
Serving the Servals: Unravel the Mysteries of a Wild Cat Species
Servals are medium-sized wild cats native to Sub-Saharan Africa. They are known for their distinctive appearance, which features a slender body, long legs, and a relatively small head with large, rounded ears. These wild cat species have golden-yellow coats with black spots and stripes that often get them mistaken for young cheetahs, tigers or even […]
Read more
25/04/14 | By: Bobbi Brink
How Exotic Animals Build Bonds: Social Behaviors in Captivity
Wild animals have specific social structures that shape how they interact. Tigers live and hunt alone. Lions depend on their pride for survival. Bears avoid social interaction unless they are raising cubs or competing for food. These social behaviors are instinctive and have developed over generations for survival. In captivity, everything changes. Space is limited, […]
Read more
1 2 3 22

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