Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobbi Brink.
Bobbi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been working with big cats and bears since the early 90’s. After witnessing first hand the neglectful treatment of these animals, and how easy it was for anyone to buy a tiger from indiscriminate breeders for less than a purebred domestic cat, I knew I had found my calling. I wanted to start a sanctuary in San Diego County, and as we were looking for the right property to begin the venture, I got a call about two adult tigers who were being kept in a 6’x12′ concrete and chain link enclosure in a Texas backyard. These tigers were being kept in these horrible conditions for five years! I knew I needed to do something, and fast. So in less than 30 days, I scrambled to secure the permitting, funding, transportation and we built a safe enclosure to rescue the pair. The Tigers were named Raja and Natasha, and they were the very first rescues of what is today, Lions Tigers & Bears.
When Raja and Natasha arrived, we found out Natasha was actually pregnant. She gave birth to two cubs – Sitarra and Tabu. So now with four tigers – Lions Tigers & Bears slowly and steadily shaped into the sanctuary that we know and love today. In those early days, non-profit status was filed and obtained, and I continue to explore how the sanctuary would expand its reach for more animals in need. Many do not know – but government funding is not available for animal rescues – so donations from friends and family were the first source of revenue for Lions Tigers & Bears. A couple of news coverage stories by the San Diego Union Tribune and the award-winning, beloved local newscaster, Larry Himmel of CBS-8 began to capture the attention and hearts of local supporters. And just like that – San Diego had its first and only big cat and exotic animal rescue facility.
Today we’re home to more than 65 animals including nine bears and we have worked all across the country, and even internationally, to help animals in dire straits. We’ve coordinated the rescue of more than 300 animals all across the U.S. providing them medical care and a one-way ticket to their new forever home at reputable sanctuaries.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Have you ever driven up the road to Lions Tigers & Bears’ sanctuary? Well, it’s about a mile long and a little rocky. And I would say building a sanctuary from the ground up is no different. We have overcome some immense challenges – from in the early days just trying to figure out how to get enough electricity and water – to today ensuring we raise the funds to build additional habitats to rescue more animals and being able to answer those calls for help from across the country. It is a process, and we take each challenge with stride and work to overcome them the best we can – and we’re fortunate to say we’ve saved a lot of lives along the way.
Please tell us about your business.
Lions Tigers & Bears is San Diego’s ONLY accredited big cat and exotic animal sanctuary. We provide a lifetime home to big cats, bears and other exotic animals and work to educate the public on the plight of these animals. Many people do not know that it is still legal in some states to purchase a tiger or lion or bear and keep them as a pet, and there is also a huge illicit market both here in the U.S. and internationally. However, these animals are not meant to be captive OR pets. They are wild animals with innate instincts. So when these animals are relinquished or seized by authorities there are very few options for them to go. Zoos often won’t take them because they aren’t purebred, and there are not many facilities well equipped to deal with a 600 pound lion. Lions Tigers & Bears’ sets the global standard of care for big cat and bear sanctuaries. We have some of, if not, the best habitats for large carnivores. One thing we like to say is that our animals go “from rags to riches”. They live a good life, and we are so happy to provide them with everything they could ever want after all that they’ve been through.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We plan on continuing to expand our sanctuary as resources allow, adding additional habitats and space for people to come to learn about our work. We also will continue to answer those calls for help for animals across the U.S. more tigers are living in backyards and basements across the country than there are left in the wild. We have our work cut out for us.
Pricing:
- Membership – $85
- Member-for-a-Day – $46/Adult & $26/Child (12 and under)
- Feed with a Keeper – $146
- Exclusive Behind the Scenes – $500+
- Behind the Scenes with the Big Cats or Bears – $425+
Contact Info:
- Address: 24402 Martin Way
Alpine, CA 91901 - Website: www.lionstigersandbears.org
- Phone: 619.659.8078
- Email: members@lionstigersandbears.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionstigers_andbears/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lionstigerandbears
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lnstgersandbrs?lang=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lions-tigers-and-bears-alpine-3?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
- Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29082-d1832324-Reviews-Lions_Tigers_Bears-Alpine_California.html?m=19905
Image Credit:
Lions Tigers & Bears
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