Meet Bobbi Brink of Lions Tigers & Bears Big Cat and Exotic Animal Rescue

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobbi Brink.

Bobbi, please share your story with us.
Lions Tigers & Bears (LTB) was founded in 2002, when I rescued two tigers, Raja and Natasha, in September of that year. They were living in someone’s backyard in Texas where they were kept in a 6′ x 12′ cage with no shade. The tiger pair was bought as a wedding gift and kept together in the deplorable backyard cage for years. When asked why I started Lions Tigers & Bears, I often reply, “After witnessing the heart-breaking phenomenon known as the “exotic animal trade” and seeing the victims of this business, I was compelled to do what I could to help these animals.

I have spent many sleepless nights picturing the tortured lives these cats end up living. The places where these marvelous animals are kept are truly disgusting – sometimes in places, you would least expect, such as in miserable holding cells with no sunlight or windows, living in cages so small they barely have room to stand up or turn around. Many live in basements, never seeing the outdoors or smelling the fresh air. I have seen 10 or more cats crowded together in a small enclosure, where they restlessly pace in filth and fight each other for scraps of food. Some starve to death.”

The plight of captive big cats and exotics is a country-wide issue, and even worldwide, but San Diego has proven to be an ideal location for LTB. Rural east San Diego County provides a perfect setting, with its moderate climate, for the various rescued animals that are living out their lives at the sanctuary. County residents and corporations have been generous supporters of the organization’s mission over the years, from financial contributions to volunteerism. In addition, nearly 10,000 adults and children visit LTB annually for invaluable educational experiences.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
An estimated 5,000 to 7,000 tigers live in the U.S. – more than exist in the wild – mostly at unaccredited breeding facilities, poorly run roadside zoos, traveling zoos, pseudo-sanctuaries and private menageries. An alarming reality is that a big cat can be purchased for as little as $300, or less than the cost of a purebred dog. Five states currently have no laws regulating possession of large carnivorous wild animals as pets.

The illicit sale of exotic animals is a $10 billion industry following drugs, counterfeiting, and human trafficking. Through advocacy and public awareness, the tides are steadily turning in favor of protecting animals suffering in captivity as money-making objects, languishing in substandard cages and deprived of the most basic care. LTB has positioned itself at the forefront of these efforts, collaborating with leadership professionals from other reputable sanctuaries nationwide to enact legislation and affect change on a national level.

Lions Tigers & Bears Big Cat and Exotic Animal Rescue – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
At the heart of the organization’s mission is helping to save the lives of exotic animals being kept in captivity in roadside zoos, backyard cages, or worse. LTB is one of only a small number of exotic animal sanctuaries in the United States accredited by both the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuary Association. It is a NO KILL, NO BREED and NO SELL facility that allows the animals in its care the opportunity to live out their lives with dignity in a caring and safe environment.

In collaboration with government agencies and local authorities, LTB is often called on to help rescue big cats and other exotic animals from abusive and neglectful situations across the country. Since its humble beginnings fifteen years ago, LTB has grown into a model sanctuary. Spanning 93 acres, it is home to over 75 animals, 19 species in total, including lions, tigers, American black bears, Himalayan black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions, leopards, an African serval, bobcats and dozens of rescued ranch animals.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
The success of Lions Tigers & Bears is defined by the lives we are able to save, and the public perceptions we are able to shift by bringing awareness to the plight of captive wildlife suffering from abuse and neglect throughout the country.

Pricing:

• Member for a Day educational visit: Starts at $33/adult, $16/child
• Feed a Wild One educational visit: $130/adults only
• Behind the Scenes visit for 2: $500
• Behind the Scenes visit for 2 with Founder: $1,000
• Wild in the Country gala, 5/19/18 at LTB: Starts at $120/adult, $45/child

Contact Info:

• Address: 24402 Martin Way Alpine, CA 91901
• Website: www.lionstigersandbears.org
• Phone: (619) 659-8078
• Email: info@lionstigersandbears.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionstigers_andbears/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lionstigerandbears/
• Twitter: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29082-d1832324-Reviews-Lions_Tigers_Bears-Alpine_California.html
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lions-tigers-and-bears-big-cat-rescue-alpine
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/LionsTigersBears09

Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.