Suri

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With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved lioness, Suri.

A cherished resident of Lions Tigers & Bears for over 18 years, Suri was rescued as a cub in 2007, along with her siblings, Jillian and Bakari, from an unaccredited facility in Louisiana that was shut down due to safety and animal care violations. Sadly, both Suri and Bakari suffered from metabolic bone disease due to poor breeding and neglect at a young age. Thanks to your support, we've been able to provide the highest level of care, allowing them to thrive in their forever home.

Over the years, Suri and Bakari's conditions progressively worsened.

Sadly, Bakari passed away in 2022, and just a few days ago, on January 25th, Suri lost all use of her hind legs due to the progression of her illness. After exhausting all options, Founder and Director Bobbi Brink made the heartbreaking decision to let her go. Though the smallest of her siblings, Suri had a big heart-gentle, playful, and deeply bonded with Jillian. Her loss is deeply felt, and we will ensure Jillian receives the love and support she needs.

We invite our community to honor Suri's memory by supporting our mission to provide a safe haven for animals in need. Donations in her name will help us continue rescuing and caring for animals just like her.

Run free, sweet Suri-you will never be forgotten.

The threats Lions Face Due to Wildlife Trafficking

Lions, the majestic apex predators of the African savannah, are increasingly under threat from wildlife trafficking. This illicit trade, driven by the demand for lion bones, skins, and other body parts, is severely impacting lion populations.

Poachers often resort to cruel and inhumane methods to capture and kill these animals, further exacerbating the species' decline.

The illegal trade not only decimates lion numbers but also disrupts ecosystems, as lions play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their habitats. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to combat wildlife trafficking and protect these iconic creatures from extinction.

Watch Suri's Incredible Story

Milestones

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February 2019
After receiving lifesaving care at Cornell, Suri comes home to the Wildlife Sanctuary.

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May 2019
Suri meets new rescue Leo; their friendship helps the lonely lion heal.

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February 2020
Suri and Leo are featured in our Valentine’s Day Adopt a Wild Animal Program.

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January 2021
Suri and Leo are featured in our Valentine’s Day Adopt a Wild Animal Program

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Suri's Gallery

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Meet Our Other Residents

Frick

Meet Frick, Our Friendly Llama Frick is currently our sole llama at Lions Tigers & Bears. She was originally rescued with another llama named Frack.

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Tuffy

Remembering Tuffy, Our African Serval In May 2016 we had to say goodbye to Tuffy the Serval. Tuffy passed away peacefully in his sleep. In September of 2004, at the approximate age of five, Tuffy arrived at Lions Tigers & Bears. He quickly became buddies with Gizmo, our eldest bobcat. Tuffy was the lone serval of […]

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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 […]

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Watch More Videos on In Memoriams

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The Majestic Roar of Lions and What It Tells Us | Lions Tigers & Bears | San Diego Animal Sanctuary

The Life Cycle and Significance of the Lion’s Mane | Lions Tigers & Bears | San Diego Animal Rescue

The Role of Territory and Dominance in Lion Behavior | Lions Tigers & Bears | San Diego Lion Rescue

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24/12/23 | By: Bobbi Brink

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The Majestic Roar of Lions and What It Tells Us

Lions have the loudest roar of all the big cats. The roar is so loud it can be heard up to 5 miles away and reaches 114 decibels (at a distance of around one meter). To put that into perspective, the human pain threshold is at around 110 decibels. So, standing too close to a […]

Feathered Friends: The Colorful World of Exotic Bird Rescue

The exotic pet trade endangers exotic bird species like macaws, parrots, and cockatoos. While many people mistake these birds for domesticated pets, they are wild animals with sophisticated intelligence and social behavior that warrant rehabilitation and dedicated care. In this post, we'll delve into the exotic bird rescue world, emphasizing their social behavior, intelligence, special […]

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