The beloved bears of Alpine’s famous exotic animal sanctuary enjoyed a special treat this April courtesy of Supervisor Joel Anderson and two local business owners. More than 100 attendees gathered at Lions Tigers & Bears on National PB&J Day to watch the bears chow down on a 6-foot-long sandwich crafted by the Jellybear Jelly Company and Deanna’s Gluten Free Bakery.
Anderson had the opportunity to personally feed Liberty, a black bear who was removed from a Los Angeles forest because she learned how to sneak food away from campgrounds. Bears who become dependent on human food are often euthanized due to the danger they present to campers— but thanks to Lions Tigers & Bears, Liberty was given a second chance and found a home with the sanctuary’s other rescued animals (and got to enjoy a favorite human snack!).
Lions Tigers & Bears has provided a haven to abused and abandoned animals from across the country since 2002. The sanctuary provides home to more than 60 animals including lions, tigers, grizzly and Himalayan black bears, and even leopards. The non-profit operates on 93 acres of natural landscape right on the edge of Alpine and the Cleveland National Forest. Since its inception 19 years ago, Lions Tigers & Bears has functioned as a No Kill, No Breed, No Contact animal rescue and education facility. The rescued animals get to live in a safe and peaceful environment while Lions Tigers & Bears employees educate the public on the importance of ending exotic animal trade.
On PB&J Day, Anderson also awarded a certificate of recognition to Bobbi Brink, the founder and director of Lions Tigers & Bears. Every sanctuary volunteer also received their own certificate recognizing their hard work. “Thank you to Bobbi and her team for their outstanding dedication to providing these animals a safe and beautiful habitat,” Anderson commended. “East County is lucky to have such an incredible animal sanctuary and educational opportunity in our own backyard.”
Interested in learning more about San Diego’s only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary? Visit www.lionstigersandbears.org for more information.
