Meet Moka: A Tale of Survival and Friendship

At Lions Tigers & Bears, each animal has a unique story that reflects their journey of survival and resilience. Moka the tiger is no exception. Rescued from a life of uncertainty and danger, Moka's story is one of hope, friendship, and a fresh start in a safe and loving environment.

In August 2017, Moka was just a two-month-old tiger cub when he was rescued from smugglers attempting to import him across the border from Mexico to the US. The authorities intercepted the smugglers, who were later sentenced to nine months in federal prison. The tiny, vulnerable cub was sent to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where he remained under the facility's care for about a year.

Despite the care Moka received at the Safari Park, his future was uncertain. Being a generic tiger, he couldn't stay at the Safari Park or in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) zoo, as he wouldn't be part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding program. In June 2018, the US Fish & Wildlife Service reached out to us at Lions Tigers & Bears to provide Moka with a permanent home.

Read More
Name
Moka
BORN DATE
8/1/2017
RESCUE DATE
6/3/2018
GENDER
Male
FAVORITE FOOD
Beef

A New Friend and A Bright Future

Upon his arrival, Moka quickly adjusted to his new surroundings. Shortly after, he was introduced to Nola, a white tiger cub of similar age. Bobbi, our founder & director, carefully observed their behavior, initially placing Moka and Nola at opposite ends of a habitat with gates in between. Slowly, as the two cubs grew more comfortable and curious about each other, the gates were removed, allowing them to interact and eventually live together.

Today, Moka and Nola share a special bond, thriving in their safe, enriched habitat. Their companionship is a beautiful testament to the healing power of friendship and the importance of providing these magnificent animals with the care and environment they deserve.

Moka’s story highlights the critical work we do at Lions Tigers & Bears. His transformation from a smuggled cub to a thriving tiger at our sanctuary underscores the impact of dedicated care and compassion. Moka's journey is a powerful reminder of why we continue to fight for the well-being of every animal that comes into our care.

Visit us at Lions Tigers & Bears to meet Moka and hear more about his incredible journey. His story, like many others, exemplifies the difference we can make together. You can also play a vital role in Moka’s ongoing care and well-being by sponsoring him. Your sponsorship helps provide medical care, nutritious food, and an enriching environment he needs to flourish. Together, we can give Moka the life he was always meant to have.

Watch Moka's Incredible Story

Milestones

.

August 2017
Moka, a two-month-old tiger cub, was rescued from smugglers attempting to bring him across the Mexico-US border. The authorities intercepted the smugglers, who were sentenced to nine months in federal prison, and Moka was sent to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for care.

.

June 2018
The US Fish & Wildlife Service reached out to Lions Tigers & Bears to provide Moka with a permanent home. As a generic tiger, Moka couldn't remain at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, making our sanctuary the ideal place for his continued care.

.

June 2018
The US Fish & Wildlife Service reached out to Lions Tigers & Bears to provide Moka with a permanent home. As a generic tiger, Moka couldn't remain at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, making our sanctuary the ideal place for his continued care.

.

Today
Moka thrives in his safe and enriched habitat at Lions Tigers & Bears. His story, from a smuggled cub to a thriving tiger with a lifelong companion, exemplifies the impact of compassionate care and the sanctuary’s mission to protect and nurture rescued animals.

hello world!

Moka's Gallery

sponsor Moka

Shop Moka Merch

shop here

Meet Our Other Residents

Delilah
Meet Delilah, Our Black Bear Delilah lived with Blossom at the Little River Zoo in Norman, Oklahoma. They were the lone residents left at the zoo, following the closure of the zoo in 2011 due to continuing financial woes. Faced with money problems, zoo officials tried to maintain their standards of care while finding homes […]
Jack
Meet Jack, Our Miniature Donkey Rescue story coming soon. Stay tuned!
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 […]
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

24/09/06 | By: Bobbi Brink
Emergency Preparedness at Our Animal Sanctuary: Keeping Animals Safe in Crisis
When a storm is brewing or the ground begins to tremble, we instinctively know what to do. We stock up on supplies and plan and prepare our homes to weather the coming crisis. But what about the animals who rely on us for safety? At Lion Tigers & Bears, we understand that natural disasters like […]
Read more
25/01/20 | By: Bobbi Brink
What Are the Favorite Foods of Lions, Tigers & Bears?
Did you know a lion can devour up to 75 pounds of meat at one time? Or that bears shift their eating habits depending on the season, going from fruits and vegetables to hunting small mammals? In the wild, each of these animals follow a unique menu of their favorite foods. Accredited sanctuaries strive to […]
Read more
24/10/14 | By: Bobbi Brink
Bear Hibernation: The Science Behind Their Long Winter Sleep
Bears are probably the first animals that come to mind when discussing hibernation. We all know they retreat to their dens when winter arrives, but have you ever wondered what happens during those cold months? How does bear hibernation allow these massive animals to survive without eating or drinking for so long? Well, we’ll be […]
Read more
1 2 3 22

Stay the night

White oak, wild nights
Learn More

dream wild

Weddings & events
Learn More

latest collections

online store
Learn More

LEAVE A LEGACY 

TRUSTS/WILLS
Learn More
Contact now
For Bookings and General Information:
[email protected]
For Job Information and Events:
[email protected]
Location
24402 Martin Way, Alpine, California 91901
Newsletter Signup
Subscribe for exclusive deals, the latest news, and to hear amazing stories of our rescued animals!
Subscription Form
hello world!
© 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