If you are looking for a fun and productive way to spend your day, then a visit to our animal sanctuary in San Diego is just what you need! Our sanctuary is home to a range of domestic and wild animals rescued from various situations. We have lions, leopards, tigers, bears, bobcats, servals, jaguars, etc., and every single one of these animals has a story that will inspire and warm your hearts. Let’s talk about what you can expect when spending a day at Lions Tigers & Bears:
Lions Tigers & Bears (LTB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong care for abused and abandoned exotic animals. Our sanctuary is located just 45 minutes from downtown San Diego in Alpine, California, on 142 beautiful acres on the edge of the Cleveland National Forest. It’s home to more than 60 rescued exotic animals, including bears and big cats, who can live the rest of their lives with dignity.
Beyond caring for our animals, we also offer guided visits, educational programs, volunteer & intern initiatives, and hands-on activities to help raise awareness about the plight of captive exotic animals and the importance of wildlife rescue and conservation. Every visit to LTB supports our ongoing efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect these magnificent animals.
One of the highlights of your visit will be meeting our incredible animal residents. You'll have the chance to see a variety of animals up close, each with its own unique personality and story. From majestic lions to playful bobcats, our sanctuary is home to some truly amazing animals!
Our big cats are especially popular among visitors.
You’ll meet lions like Louie, Suri, and Jillian. Louie the white lion was rescued in April 2017 along with two other lions, Zulu and Arusha. Their previous owner, a former animal trainer, decided it was time to relinquish them, and we were able to help them live out their lives with care and dignity at our animal sanctuary.
You’ll also meet Zoe, our beloved tiger. In May 2021, our team took part in a large-scale rescue at Tiger King Park in Oklahoma. The United States Department of Justice removed 68 big cats from the facility due to numerous Endangered Species Act violations. Bobbi Brink, our founder and director, was able to bring Zoe and another tiger, Jem, back to LTB. But Zoe and Jem aren’t our only tigers; we also have Kallie, Moka, Nola, and Crystal.
We have many other amazing animals with unique stories waiting to be heard. Our leopard, Conga, our jaguar Eddie, and our bears, Susie, Sallie, Cherry Bomb, Meatball, Baloo, Liberty, Sugar Bear, Rocky, and Teddy, each have their tales of resilience. Our servals, Savanna, Junior, Denali and Miss Kitty, and our bobcats, Atlas, Mia, Diego, and RJ, also have fascinating backgrounds.
Every animal at Lions Tigers & Bears is here because of an incredible story of rescue and rehabilitation.We also have a variety of domestic animals, from horses, emus, cows, a llama, a tortoise and a macaw.
When you visit, you'll get to hear these stories firsthand and see the wonderful lives these animals now lead. It’s a reminder of the importance of accredited animal sanctuaries and the impact of giving these animals a second chance. So spend a day with us, meet our incredible residents, and be part of their journey.
Educating the public is an essential part of what we do here. We aim to not only rescue and care for these incredible animals but also educate people about the importance of animal rescue and wildlife conservation through community outreach, school field trips, volunteer & intern programs and more.
When you visit, one of the best ways to learn about our work is through our guided visits. These amazing experiences are led by our knowledgeable visit guides who are passionate about animal rescue and saving and protecting wildlife. During the visit, you'll get up close and personal with our residents and hear their stories of survival and rehabilitation. It's a powerful experience that really brings home the importance of the work we're doing.
We also have a range of educational programs designed to raise awareness about the issues facing wild animals and the importance of sanctuaries like ours. These programs are tailored for different age groups, from school children to adults, and they cover a variety of topics, including the challenges of captivity, the process of animal rescue, and what it takes to provide lifelong care for these animals.
If you’re looking to get even more involved, we offer numerous volunteer opportunities where you can contribute directly to the care and well-being of our animals. Volunteering is a fantastic way to learn more about animal rescue and the day-to-day operations of a sanctuary. Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to know you’re making a tangible difference in the lives of these animals.
True Accredited Sanctuaries like LTB provide a lifetime safe haven for rescued animals – and here’s why this is so important.
Most of the animals we rescue come from situations of severe neglect, abuse, exploitation or abandonment. Some were kept as pets by private owners who couldn't meet their needs, while others were used for entertainment or illegally trafficked. These animals often arrive at our sanctuary in poor health, both physically and mentally.
Accredited sanctuaries like ours give these animals a second chance at life. We provide a safe, loving environment where they can recover and thrive. Our dedicated team of wildlife experts works tirelessly to ensure each animal receives the best possible care, from veterinary treatments to proper nutrition and enrichment activities that mimic their natural behaviors. Sadly, we can’t rehabilitate and release these animals back into the wild because they would be unable to survive in the wild on their own.
We also advocate for stronger laws and regulations to protect wildlife. Through our work, we aim to inspire change that will lead to better protection for all animals worldwide. We're part of a larger movement working towards a future where all animals can live safely and freely in their natural environments.
We hope to see you soon. Your support and your visit can really go a long way in supporting our California wildlife rescue and animal sanctuary efforts. If you have any questions or want to learn more about our true accredited sanctuary, feel free to reach out to us: