Did you know a lion can devour up to 75 pounds of meat at one time? Or that bears shift their eating habits depending on the season, going from fruits and vegetables to hunting small mammals? In the wild, each of these animals follow a unique menu of their favorite foods.
Accredited sanctuaries strive to recreate those natural diets so the animals in their care stay healthy, active, and happy. Our exotic animal sanctuary is no different. In this post, you will discover what lions, tigers, and bears actually enjoy eating, how we keep them healthy, and why feeding them the right way is so crucial.
Lions are true carnivores. That means they rely entirely on meat for their diet. In the wild, lions typically hunt large prey such as zebras, buffalo, and antelopes. Sometimes, they even take on animals much bigger than themselves.
They can eat a remarkable amount in a single meal—over 70 pounds at one time. Female lions usually do the hunting. They work as a team to bring down big prey. Once the hunt is over, the entire pride gathers to feast. Male lions often eat first if present, then the rest of the pride follows.
Meat is packed with protein and fat. Lions need these nutrients to stay strong and maintain their energy. Hunting can be exhausting, so big protein-packed meals help them recover and fuel their muscles. Lions don’t eat every day in the wild. Sometimes, they must wait days between hunts. When they finally do catch something, they feast with intensity to make up for lost time.
At Lions Tigers & Bears, we feed our lions raw meat to ensure a proper nutritional diet. This includes beef, chicken, and other meats. We also add vitamins and minerals to support their health. Our lions’ favorite foods vary, but they enjoy a variety of fresh, protein-rich meals. Sometimes, we hide their meals in enrichment toys or place them somewhere challenging to reach. This makes them “work” for their food, which keeps their minds active and their instincts sharp.
Bears are omnivores, which means they enjoy both plants and meat. Black bears, in particular, are known for switching up their diet throughout the year. They snack on berries, apples, and leafy greens. They also hunt small mammals when protein is harder to find. Sometimes, they even feast on fish during spawning season.
We pay close attention to each bear’s needs at the sanctuary. We create a specialized diet that includes fresh produce, protein (like raw nuts, avocado, fish or meats), and occasional treats. This ensures they get the right balance of nutrients. We also use feeding puzzles and hidden treats to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. This approach helps replicate the variety and challenges they’d encounter in the wild, encouraging them to search for food and stay engaged throughout the day.
Tigers, like most big cats, are strict carnivores. In the wild, a tiger might hunt deer, wild boar, or other large prey. Bengal tigers, thanks to their stealth and strength, are especially known for bringing down animals bigger than themselves.
Here at our sanctuary, we feed our tigers a high-quality diet of raw meat—often beef, chicken, or rabbit game—to mimic their natural meals. They can eat several pounds of meat in one sitting, which helps maintain their powerful bodies. We also enrich their diets with vitamins and minerals to boost their health.
Like lions, tigers enjoy mental and physical stimulation at mealtime. We might hide their favorite foods in areas that encourage them to climb, stalk, or pounce. This keeps them engaged and taps into their natural hunting instincts. Watching a tiger methodically figure out how to reach its dinner is an incredible sight and a key part of maintaining their well-being in our sanctuary's care.
A lot of people think it’s exciting to own or adopt an exotic animal like a lion, tiger, or bear. They might imagine having a “wild” pet at home. But the truth is, most owners lack the knowledge and resources to feed or even take care of them correctly. Malnourishing these animals is not just neglectful; it’s a form of cruelty that causes physical suffering and leaves them vulnerable to illness.
Feeding a wild animal can become incredibly expensive and time-consuming. Owners might try feeding them processed foods or cheaper cuts of meat, but that often leads to malnourishment or illness. Without proper knowledge or experience, it is easy to miss the vital nutrients these animals need to grow and thrive.
Beyond nutrition, exotic animals need space to roam, safe habitats, daily upkeep, medical care, daily enrichment, and more to stay mentally healthy. In the wild, they hunt, forage, or explore vast territories. In a home environment, they can become bored or stressed, which can lead to destructive behavior or aggression. Exotic animals simply aren’t suited for life in a living room or backyard, which can also pose safety risks to both the animals and the public.
That is why accredited sanctuaries like Lions Tigers & Bears play a crucial role. We have the resources, expertise, and commitment to provide a specialized diet and proper habitat. Ultimately, though, these animals deserve to live in the wild, not in private homes.
Providing fresh meat, fruits and vegetables, and supplements for large exotic animals and omnivores is not cheap. An animal can eat several pounds of meat or produce daily. Our food bills add up quickly, especially because we insist on top-grade products for their meals.
However, we believe investing in a high standard of care is critical for their livelihood and wellbeing. It keeps the animals healthy and reduces medical costs down the road. Donations and fundraisers like Wild in the Country help us manage these expenses and maintain our commitment to excellence.
Our Feed with a Keeper program lets you step behind the scenes and watch our expert team prepare and serve specialized meals. You’ll learn why these diets are essential and how much these animals love their favorite foods. But that’s just one way to get involved!
Consider becoming a Member for a Day to experience the sanctuary like never before, or Stay the Night at our unique White Oak accommodations to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while supporting our mission. Planning a special event? You can even book your celebration at our venue, creating unforgettable memories while contributing to the care of our residents.
Every ticket, booking, or donation directly supports our mission, helping to cover the cost of food, enrichment, medical care, and more for the animals that call Lions Tigers & Bears home. Ready to take part? Reserve your spot today for an unforgettable experience while making a difference!