LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS EXOTIC ANIMAL RESCUE BY: ANICIA BRAGG “LIVING LARGE WITH ANICIA”
Saving the lives of exotic animals, Lions Tigers & Bears is a federally and state licensed non-profit rescue facility dedicated to providing a safe haven for unwanted and abused Big Cats and other exotic animals. They are one of the very few accredited Big Cat Sanctuaries in the US. Their Moto is a NO KILL, NO BREED, NO SELL rescue an educational facility that allow the animals in their care the opportunity to live out their lives with dignity in a caring and safe environment. Did you know, that in many areas of the
https://lionstigersandbears.org/about/mission/
United States, there are countless unwanted, abused, and abandoned Big Cats in captivity? In fact, the number of animals bred and born in captivity is greater than that in the wild. In most cases, cats born in captivity must endure horrific neglect and abuse due to the immense responsibility in their upkeep. In many states Big Cats, most commonly lions, tigers, cougars and bobcats, are acquired by roadside zoos and then eventually become surplus animals for the entertainment industry. Most are purchased as pets when they are young, or sold and bred for profit. Sadly the exotic animal trade is a 17 billion dollar a year industry, it is an industry so large it is second only to illegal arms and drugs. Lions Tigers & Bears primary concern is the health and comfort of their animals and the safety of those who share these precious natural resources. They work hard to protect and provide these animals with a lifetime home, realizing that environment, exercise, and personal attention are key to their well-being. Whether you’re a local San Diegan or beloved supporter from a far, you can stay at the White Oak Wild Nights Retreat on property and have your very own private jungle experience with the family. Oak’s two-bedroom mountain retreat is nestled right in the heart of Lions, Tigers & Bears’ sanctuary. Enjoy a getaway like no other with the sights and sounds of the majestic animals. Vist www.whiteoakwildnights.com for more info. Meet Bobbi Brink, the founder and of this facility and learn more about this terrific private accredited sanctuary in our exclusive interview.
accredited
ANICIA: At one point you never allowed visitors to your facility. Why did that change? BOBBI: We’ve always had visitors, but back in the day it was on a one-on-one basis by appointment. Then we increased to once a month, then to two days a week, then three days a ANICIA: How can people view your introduction film to see what is really happening to wild animals in the United States? BOBBI: A friend created the video used in our Educational Visit and is not currently available to the public.
week and now we are up to four days a week for visits. We have never been open to the public, and still are not open to the public, because we are a membership based organization.
We need to produce our own video relaying the truth about the exotic animal trade that we can share with
All visits are by appointment only at the scheduled times. We
the public. Education is so important to ending the exotic animal trade once and for all.
try to keep it as peaceful for the animals as we can. Unlike a zoo where the animals are not left alone and exposed to
ANICIA: You have lions, tigers and bears in your facility. Why those and are you open to others?
crowds all day every day, our visits occur Wednesday through
BOBBI: While our name says a lot, it doesn’t say it all. Unfortunately, we didn’t have room to add all the
Saturday once per day for two hours.
other animals we rescue such as bobcats, leopards, mountain lions, goats, horses, pigs, llamas and much more. Our Ranch is dedicated to the care and protection of all animals that have been neglected or abused.
ANICIA: Can you please tell us the difference between
