Travellers' Choice™ Best of the Best

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.

Read More
Name
Rocky
BORN DATE
January 2003
RESCUE DATE
6/4/2022
GENDER
Male
FAVORITE FOOD
Salmon

In return for Bobbi's generosity, the former owners contractually agreed to no longer be involved in animal training. Rocky's transition to his new life wasn't without challenges. -Initially, he was hesitant to leave the confines of his bedroom. However, Bobbi and the keepers at LTB employed a trail of food as an enticing lure to encourage Rocky to venture out. Over time, he has adapted well to his keepers and has grown into a very social bear. Rocky has developed a particular fondness for certain treats, such as watermelon and grapes, and an unexpected delight for the scent of peppermint, making his life at LTB one filled with joy and contentment.

Watch Rocky's Incredible Story

Milestones

.

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.

.

"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.

.

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.

.

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.

hello world!

Rocky's Gallery

sponsor Rocky

Shop Rocky Merch

shop here

Meet Our Other Residents

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 […]
Eddie
Meet Eddie our Rescued Jaguar Eddie was bred in captivity by known wildlife traffickers who traveled from hotel room to hotel room to handle him and use him as a photo opportunity. Then he was sold again, this time as a pet. Only a few weeks after being purchased as a pet, Eddie was then abandoned […]
Sugar Bear
Meet Sugar Bear, Our Black Bear Sugar Bear's story is one of resilience and compassion. Originally bred to be sold to a canned hunt ranch, or what is sometimes called a "game park," his fate took an unexpected turn. An unaccredited sanctuary owner, who was not affiliated with the canned-hunt ranch, discovered Sugar Bear and […]
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.

Read More Related Articles

24/02/28 | By: Bobbi Brink
Wildlife Wish List: How You Can Support Us Through In-Kind Donations
At Lions Tigers & Bears, we are dedicated to providing a loving and caring lifetime sanctuary for our diverse animal residents. Our mission is to provide a safe haven to abused, neglected, and abandoned animals, and your support is instrumental in making this mission a reality. You can support us through cash gifts or through […]
Read more
24/07/10 | By: Bobbi Brink
Educational Programs at Our San Diego Animal Sanctuary
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about an animal sanctuary? If you’re like most people, I bet majestic wild animals, calming environments, nature and outdoor experiences, conservation, etc. These are all synonymous with animal sanctuaries because they do a great job rescuing and sheltering wild and domestic animals.  But most […]
Read more
24/10/21 | By: Bobbi Brink
Veterinary Care for Health & Wellness at our San Diego Animal Sanctuary
At our San Diego Animal Sanctuary, we have a team of expert vets and caregivers who provide each animal with the care, attention, and specialized treatment they need to recover and thrive. In this post, we’ll look closer at the essential role veterinary care plays in keeping the exotic animals at our sanctuary healthy and […]
Read more
1 2 3 24

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
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram