Wildlife trafficking is one of the largest illegal industries in the world, ranking alongside drug and weapons trafficking in both scope and profit. Every year, thousands of wild animals fall victim to this underground trade. They are exploited, neglected, or abused in roadside zoos, private homes, traveling circuses, and other unregulated environments. Many live in small cages with inadequate care, deprived of proper nutrition, enrichment, and veterinary attention.
Lions Tigers and Bears, a no-contact, accredited big cat and exotic animal sanctuary located in Alpine, California, is working tirelessly to combat this crisis. Founded in 2002 on a 142-acre ranch, the sanctuary is Southern California’s only Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and American Sanctuary Association (ASA)-accredited facility of its kind. Lions Tigers and Bears is dedicated to rescuing and providing lifelong care to more than 60 big cats, bears, and other exotic and domestic animals. It offers expansive, naturalistic habitats, on-site veterinary services, and educational and volunteer programs that promote compassionate wildlife stewardship and raise awareness about the exotic animal trade. Entirely supported by donations and community partnerships, the organization collaborates with law enforcement, legislators, and other sanctuaries to conduct complex rescue missions and push for stronger legal protections for captive wildlife.
At the heart of the organization is Founder and Director Bobbi Brink, a passionate animal advocate with more than 30 years of experience in exotic animal welfare. After witnessing the disturbing realities of private breeding and animal exploitation firsthand, Bobbi committed her life to building a safe haven where these animals could live with dignity. Since opening the sanctuary, she and her team have worked hands-on in every aspect of its operations. From feeding the animals and training staff to leading rescue efforts and organizing outreach programs, Bobbi is a driving force behind every mission.
Under her leadership, Lions Tigers and Bears has rescued and relocated hundreds of animals from across the country and abroad. These efforts often involve collaboration with law enforcement agencies, first responders, and international partners. Every rescue comes with its own set of challenges, requiring strategic planning, coordination with multiple entities, and a deep knowledge of animal welfare and legal protocol.
These missions can arise at any time, often in response to urgent calls from around the country involving animals found in distressing and dangerous situations. The animals may be caged in backyards, confined in substandard roadside zoos, or abandoned by owners who were unequipped to care for them.
“Every rescue is a race against time,” said Bobbi Brink, Founder and Director of Lions Tigers & Bears. “These animals are often living in heartbreaking conditions, and getting them to safety takes months of planning, coordination, and persistence. It’s never easy, but knowing we’re giving them a second chance at life makes every challenge worth it.”
Once rescued, many animals are placed under legal protection and become part of ongoing investigations. During these periods, the sanctuary is unable to publicly share details about the animals or the circumstances surrounding their rescue. This legal confidentiality is essential to protect the animals’ safety and to preserve the integrity of the investigations. However, it also presents a unique challenge for the sanctuary. Without being able to tell these stories publicly, it can be difficult to generate awareness and raise the funds necessary to care for these animals and support ongoing rescue work.
Despite these hurdles, the sanctuary continues to provide high-quality care to each animal it rescues. Lions Tigers and Bears receives no government funding and depends entirely on donations to cover the costs of animal care. These expenses include transportation, veterinary treatment, habitat construction, enrichment, specialized diets, and daily support. Even when they must remain silent about the details of a rescue, the team continues working behind the scenes to give each animal a chance at a better life.
“It is not easy to fund these operations,” Bobbi said. “It takes a big financial leap to fill the gap and give these animals a second home. We do what we need to do, but it is through donations from the public that we are able to continue to fight this fight.”
Every rescue completed by Lions Tigers and Bears is a step toward healing and hope. Animals that once lived in fear, neglect, and isolation are finally able to experience safety, proper care, and the freedom to express natural behaviors in a secure environment. For many of them, it is the first time they have ever felt grass under their feet, tasted a proper diet, or received medical attention.
The sanctuary not only saves individual animals but also plays a vital role in changing the broader narrative around exotic animal ownership and wildlife exploitation. Through its educational programs, public tours, and volunteer opportunities, Lions Tigers and Bears helps people understand the importance of ethical wildlife stewardship and the devastating impact of the exotic pet trade. Each visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation for the animals’ stories and the importance of advocating for change.
