Rocky

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Rocky had a unique past as a former entertainment bear in the film industry. When his "retirement" finally came, he found himself at a Southern California boarding facility, which, unfortunately, was far too small to accommodate a bear of his size. Recognizing the need for a better life for Rocky, Bobbi stepped in to provide him with the forever home he had always deserved - a life as a bear, free from the abuse of the entertainment world. In the entertainment industry, animals are often quickly placed after their retirement.

Watch Rocky's Incredible Story

Milestones

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Born into the Entertainment Industry (January 2003):
Rocky entered the world as a bear destined for the entertainment industry, where he would spend years being used for films and other productions.

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"Retirement" to a Boarding Facility (Post-Entertainment Career):
After his time in the film industry, Rocky was placed in a Southern California boarding facility. However, the facility was far too small to accommodate a bear of his size and needs, leaving him in unsuitable conditions.

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Rescue by Lions Tigers & Bears (June 4, 2022):
Bobbi and the Lions Tigers & Bears team rescued Rocky, offering him a forever home and the opportunity to live out his life as a bear, free from the exploitation of the entertainment industry. As part of the agreement, Rocky's former owners committed to no longer train animals for entertainment.

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Adapting to His New Home (2022–Present):
Initially hesitant to explore his new habitat, Rocky was encouraged with a trail of food and patient care from Bobbi and the keepers. Over time, he has become a social bear, enjoying treats like watermelon and grapes, and showing delight in peppermint scents, symbolizing his newfound joy and contentment at Lions Tigers & Bears.

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Meet Our Other Residents

Louie

Meet Louie: From Performer to Protector Lufuno, affectionately known as Louie, embodies resilience and the spirit of transformation at Lions Tigers & Bears. Rescued from a life of meaningless entertaining and confinement, Louie's journey from abuse to sanctuary life is a testament to his strength and the compassionate care provided by Lions Tigers & Bears. […]

Learn more Sponsor Louie

RJ

RJ's “story” began when he was discovered by a truck driver on the side of the road near Los Angeles as a tiny and severely ill kitten. The driver decided to take him home, initially believing that RJ was a domestic kitten. However, it was only later that he realized RJ was actually a bobcat […]

Learn more Sponsor RJ

Melanie

Remembering Melanie, Our Mountain Lion Melanie and her partner Punkin lived at a private facility in Ohio that bred tiger cubs and other exotic animals. It is likely Melanie and Punkin were used as a breeding pair to produce cubs for the exotic animal trade. The facility was shut down when the state enacted SB […]

Learn more Sponsor Melanie

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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.

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23/11/15 | By: Bobbi Brink

The Role of Territory and Dominance in Lion Behavior

Lions, or the "Kings of the Jungle," as they're often referred to, are known for their complex social structures and territorial behaviors. They are the only big cats that live in groups called prides. All other big cats live in solitary except for mothers and cubs. A pride may comprise 2 to 40 lions – […]

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, […]

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Have you ever watched a cat bat around a toy or pounce on a string, utterly captivated by the thrill of the chase? Magnify that curiosity and power a hundredfold, and you’ll start to glimpse how big cats and exotic animals play—both in the wild and in their sanctuary environments. Play is integral to an […]

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