about us

An enclosure was built on a friend's 93-acre property, adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest in Alpine, California - just 45 minutes from downtown San Diego. With no direct water source, water and food were brought in daily for the two tigers. The owner of the property saw Bobbi's dedication and commitment to the cats, and offered Bobbi and her husband Mark the opportunity to purchase the 93-acre parcel. Shortly after, it became apparent that Natasha was in the motherly way, and after a few weeks of arriving at the sanctuary, Sitarra and Tabu were born, and Lions Tigers & Bears had its first family. Raja, Natasha, Sitarra and Tabu are the legacy and foundation of Lions Tigers & Bears.

Now with four tigers - and a permanent and spacious property to grow from - 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 Bobbi began exploring how the sanctuary would continue to expand its reach for more animals in need. As government funding is not available for animal rescues, 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.

Through the hard work of a network of caring volunteers and staff Lions Tigers & Bears has rescued and transported over 1,000 animals here at LTB as well as other reputable sanctuaries. 

Lions Tigers & Bears goes beyond helping animals rescued by our sanctuary. We are one of few sanctuaries in the United States that has the equipment and capacity to coordinate the rescue of exotics in need of permanent refuge. Since 2002, our team has coordinated the rescue of more than 1000 big cats, bears, wolves and other exotics from across the United States - providing medical care and transport to lifetime homes at reputable sanctuaries including our own. Lions Tigers & Bears is called upon several times a year by law enforcement, first responders and other sanctuaries to assist in the relocation of abused animals throughout the country.