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ALPINE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Eddie the jaguar’s journey is nothing short of heartbreaking — and inspiring

ALPINE - Bobbi Brink moved to Texas in the 1990's to open a restaurant. She did not expect to enter the world of exotic animal trade.

On this East County spotlight, Kogo takes us to Lions Tigers & Bears—a 93-acre Alpine sanctuary rescuing exotic animals from abuse, trafficking, and the entertainment industry. Founder Bobbi Brink shares how she works with first responders nationwide to relocate animals from kitchens, backyards, and roadside attractions to a place of healing. With a strong education mission and a new federal law banning tiger breeding for photo ops, this sanctuary is making national impact—right off the I-8.

Just off the I-8 in Alpine, Lions Tigers & Bears is a 93-acre sanctuary giving exotic animals a second chance at life. Founder Bobbi Brink tells 600 KOGO how she rescues animals from backyards, movie sets—even Joe Exotic’s former collection. With education programs, public tours, and a fight against the exotic animal trade, this local nonprofit is doing big things for some of the world’s most majestic creatures.

Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego County’s only accredited exotic animal sanctuary, is opening its gates this summer with a lineup of new educational programs and experiences in an effort to raise awareness about wildlife rescue.

Trisha Denise Meyer, 43, of Houston was known for selling exotic animals from her Texas home, as well as posing naked with animals on OnlyFans.

Several senior alpacas from Central California now have a permanent home in San Diego County after they had to be moved because of the death of one of their owners.

One of the alpacas, named Neptune, was attacked by a mountain lion and now requires specialized care.

The animal sanctuary Lions Tiger & Bears is preparing for the possibility of wild fires as the winds are expected to bring gusts of up to 70 miles per hour.