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The festive season is in full swing at Lions Tigers & Bears, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. This year, we’re turning the sanctuary into a hub of holiday magic and cheer for our rescued wildlife and the fantastic supporters like you who make all this possible.

Here are a few things that we have in store for the holiday season:

Festive Enrichments for the Animals

Christmas is all about fun and surprises – and we’re going all out to bring that magic to our animals. There's nothing quite like watching their reactions when we give them a little holiday cheer. Our animals love to play, explore, and discover, so what better time to treat them than during the most wonderful time of the year?

We kick things off by transforming their environments. We bring in holiday scents, new enrichments, and decorations they haven’t seen before to keep things fresh and exciting. This could be a tower of cardboard boxes to knock over or a maze of hanging ropes to navigate.

Food enrichment is next on the list. We love hiding their favorite treats in creative ways. We may tuck them in areas to stimulate their brain, or package them into brightly colored Christmas presents. It’s a fun challenge for them, and watching them figure it out is always a highlight.

We also add object enrichment so they have new toys and things to interact with. This includes things like large balls to bat around, Christmas trees to carry around, platforms to climb on, new enrichment toys to explore, etc., to keep them active and mentally engaged.

Special Visitor Events

We’re excited to invite you to our signature event, our Christmas With the Animals fundraiser, this holiday season. It’s a special opportunity for you to be a part of the holiday magic here at Lions Tigers & Bears. We’ve put together a festive celebration where you can see the joy we bring to our rescued animals and experience the beauty of the sanctuary in a whole new way. We can't wait to see you there!

During this heartwarming event, you’ll witness our animals open their christmas presents. We’ve also added extra touches to their habitats, like Christmas decorations and new scents, to keep things fresh and exciting for them. It’s a celebration that’s as much about giving to the animals as it is about sharing the spirit of the season with you.

As you walk through our big cat sanctuary, you’ll see how your support makes a real difference. Every ticket, donation, and purchase helps us provide the year-round care that these animals deserve. We’ll show you how your generosity helps us continue to care for animals and keep our sanctuary environment thriving.

And it’s not just about the animals – you’ll have a blast too! You can enjoy delicious food from the food trucks, sip on hot cocoa or your favorite holiday drink while shopping at our gift shop, and take in the sights and sounds of the Festival of Lights. Santa Claus will be making a special appearance, and there will be plenty of opportunities to win exciting raffle prizes. This year, we’ll also have a shrunk 3D booth, where you can get a 3D-printed photo of yourself! This event is a holiday tradition that feels as good as it sounds. 

How You Can Bring Holiday Cheer

There’s no better way to spread holiday cheer than by giving back to the amazing wild animals at Lions Tigers & Bears. You can make a real difference this season by supporting us in so many meaningful ways. Every act of kindness helps us provide the care these incredible animals need, especially during the holidays when we work hard to make their lives extra special.

One of the most impactful ways you can help is through your generous donations. Your contribution goes directly to the animals, supplying everything from pet food to medical care. Whether it’s a one-time donation or a monthly gift, your support helps us continue our mission to care for wild cats and all the other animals we’re so lucky to call our family. And with Giving Tuesday just wrapping up, it’s the perfect time to make a gift that will have a lasting impact.

Another great way to make a difference is by sponsoring one of our animals. This is a personal way to connect with a specific animal and know that your support is going directly to their care. Your sponsorship helps us provide a safe, comfortable home for them, whether it’s feeding, medical treatments, or providing enriching experiences. Plus, it’s such a meaningful and thoughtful gift for animal lovers. As a sponsor, you'll receive  a certificate of sponsorship, and the satisfaction of knowing you're making a direct impact on their lives.

We also have a special way for you to make a direct impact this holiday season – by purchasing enrichment toys or treats for the animals. This is a fun and easy way to show your support. Whether it’s a new puzzle to stimulate their minds or a special treat to make their day, you’ll be helping make their holiday season brighter! Head over to our wishlist to see what our current needs are.

And if you’re looking for a more hands-on way to give back, we’d love for you to volunteer with animals at the sanctuary. There’s no better time than the holidays to lend a hand. Whether helping out with feeding, cleaning, or just spending time with the animals, you’ll be making a real difference. It’s an enriching way to be part of our sanctuary family and give back to our beautiful animals.

Make this Holiday Special

When you visit our exotic animal rescue center in San Diego, you’re not just soaking in the holiday magic—you’re helping to raise funds for animal welfare and supporting our mission to provide care for rescued animals. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of something special. It’s your help and presence that makes the holidays truly magical for the animals at Lions Tigers & Bears. We’re so grateful for your support, and we can’t wait to share the magic of the season with you.