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

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 […]

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Mia

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 […]

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Gizmo

Remembering Gizmo, Our First Bobcat We sadly said goodbye to one of our first residents, Gizmo the bobcat in September 2016. Gizmo was arguably the smartest cat at Lions Tigers & Bears, and he knew it! He liked to do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, and especially loved trying to outsmart his keepers. He […]

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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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