Not all rescued exotic animals fit into zoo conservation programs, and that’s where Lions Tigers & Bears steps in. Workers rescue animals from other zoos or exotic animal holdings and bring them to the sanctuary to live out their lives.
Advocacy on behalf of big cats and exotic animals is also part of the job at the animal rescue.
“We’ve worked state by state, but the most important thing that we want to get the word out about is the Big Cat Public Safety Act. It’s federal legislation which will limit private ownership of big cats because no one needs a lion, a tiger or a bear in their backyard. These are not pets. They’re wild animals. We see on social media there are people interacting with mountain lions or tigers. You can travel within the United States, you can travel to Mexico. Many places hold tigers. It’s always cruel for the animal,” said Gigi Theberge, spokeswoman for Lions Tigers & Bears.
The nonprofit was founded in 2002 by Bobbi Brink. It’s located in Alpine in San Diego’s East County. Theberge said the public can help with donations, going to the sanctuary to visit, or spreading the word about the animal rescue on social media.
