Fundraiser to be held this Saturday, May 20, 2017

Baraki the Lion Credit: Lions, Tigers & Bears

In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight. Actually it’s more like a 93 acre ranch in Alpine, and it’s three lions, two tigers, 10 bears, a cougar, a leopard, and two bobcats—not to mention an assortment of llamas, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, a miniature horse, miniature donkey, peacocks, and a macaw—who have found a home at Lions, Tigers, & Bears Big Cat and Exotics Rescue (LTB). The sanctuary is dedicated to providing a safe haven for unwanted and abused exotic animals, and to educating the public about the abuses of the exotic-animal trade. The organization is a no kill, no breed, no sell sanctuary that allows the animals in their care to live out their lives with dignity in a caring and safe environment.

Tabu the tiger credit: Lions Tigers & Bears

The life of an exotic animal in captivity is often a sad one. In most cases, they endure horrific neglect and abuse due to the immense demands of their upkeep. Some are bred to be used for photo ops and other “entertainment”, and then thrown away when they are no longer generating profit. In many states big and bears are acquired by roadside zoos, eventually becoming surplus animals with no place to go. Others are purchased as “pets” when they are cubs, and discarded once the novelty wears off and the owner realizes the immense responsibility and danger of caring for a 500 pound predator. Zoos and sanctuaries, which are already filled to capacity, have no room for them.

Blossom the Bear credit: Lions, Tigers & Bears

It was in answer to this sad state of affairs that director Bobbi Brink, who had been working with and advocating for captive exotics since the early 1990s, and her husband Mark Brink founded LTB in 2002. Today, with a full time staff, numerous volunteers, and veterinary partnerships, Lions Tigers & Bears is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and the American Sanctuary Association (ASA).

To continue to provide care for the animals in their charge, and to be able to take in and help even more critters, LTB is holding their Wild In the Country 2017 fundraiser on Saturday, May 20 from 3-7pm at the ranch. Themed Casino Royale At the Ranch, the event will include visits with the animals, yummy food, casino games, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and lots of fun! Tickets for this worthy cause are $135 for adults, and $45 for kids. All info is available here.