just rojie

shut up, sit down, and read

lions and tigers and bears, oh my

Currently watching: Unusual Suspects – Deadly Intent (Hulu)

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I visited a wild animal sanctuary called Lions, Tigers, & Bears in Alpine, San Diego, for my birthday. It was right after the stay-at-home orders were lifted during the pandemic.

Fresh off the hype of watching “Tiger King”, I was thrilled to see these beautiful exotic animals in person. The sanctuary had even rescued two big cats from the Tiger King park—which, as we all know, was an absolute disaster.

We opted for a guided tour because I wanted to learn as much as possible about these majestic animals. It was heartbreaking to hear about the neglect and abandonment many of them endured in their previous environments, but inspiring to see how the sanctuary provides them with a better life. They have 93 acres for the animals, including black bears, grizzly bears, jaguars, lions, tigers, mountain lions, bobcats, servals, leopards, llamas, horses, goats, macaws, sheep, chickens, peacocks, ostriches, and even a tortoise.

 

I got to feed this beautiful creature through the fence, and it was so fascinating to watch the lioness lick her paw just like a giant house cat.

The sanctuary also has an onsite surgical center, showing their deep commitment to the animals’ well-being.

I learned so much about these exotic creatures and gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of rescues like this. I hope it inspires more people to support change for these animals.

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17 responses to “lions and tigers and bears, oh my”

  1. Hazel Avatar
    Hazel

    Yes, another gesture of care and kindness. I appreciate all those people behind it. I hope many support for their advocacy to rescue animals and give better, and safe place to live in.

    Reply
    1. justrojie Avatar
      justrojie

      Me too!! They def deserved better

      Reply
  2. Violet Lentz Avatar
    Violet Lentz

    As much it pains me to see such majestic creatures in captivity, it is its own blessing to us as humans to have places like this that offer us the privilege of observing up close which nature never intended. I live in Alaska and we have plentiful wildlife, but most of it will kill you if you get close enough for a real good look. hehe

    Reply
    1. justrojie Avatar
      justrojie

      Wow, Alaska!! I’ve never been but I hope to go some time! Any places that you would definitely recommend?

      Reply
      1. Violet Lentz Avatar
        Violet Lentz

        If I was going to visit, I would fly into Anchorage, Take the train or rent a car (which needs to be done like 1 year in advance) and stop in Denali. Spend a couple days in Denali, then train/drive to Fairbanks that’s where I live- and then fly home out of Fairbanks.
        Alaska is a huge place, but very diverse. This itinerary lets you see a lot of what we have to offer in a reasonable amount of time. LMK if you’re ever gonna be in town!

        Reply
        1. justrojie Avatar
          justrojie

          Thanks for the tip!! Do the cars all have snow chains on the tires or are all wheel drive? In Minnesota we only had to do it when we were going to a higher altitude during blizzards and when it was snowing .

          Reply
          1. Violet Lentz Avatar
            Violet Lentz

            We have snow from like Oct-April. If I was you I would come in the summer. It’s daylight 24 hours a day and the temps are more conducive to sight-seeing. There are no northern lights then, but they are becoming more readily visible in the lower 48 these days.
            We use two sets of tires, the winter ones especially designed to drive on snow, and most vehicles are all wheel or four wheel drive.

          2. justrojie Avatar
            justrojie

            Gotcha! Thank you so much!

      2. Violet Lentz Avatar
        Violet Lentz

        I thought I already answered this, but here we go again. I would fly into Anchorage, and either take the train, or rent a car (but you have to do that like a year in advance) and go to Denali, then train/car to Fairbanks, that’s where I live, and you can fly home from here.
        Alaska is huge and very diverse; this itinerary gives you an excellent sampling of what we have to offer.

        Reply
  3. Nicholas K F Matte Avatar
    Nicholas K F Matte

    Wow! Looks like you had a really nice visit at this sanctuary! So beautiful these cats and the bear!

    Reply
    1. justrojie Avatar
      justrojie

      They are gooooorgeous

      Reply
  4. Maddie Cochere Avatar
    Maddie Cochere

    What a great day trip! This place is better than a zoo!

    Reply
    1. justrojie Avatar
      justrojie

      It was a glorious day and much better!

      Reply
  5. ibarynt Avatar
    ibarynt

    This is lovely Rojie. I only wish for my country.

    Reply
    1. justrojie Avatar
      justrojie

      Maybe one day!!

      Reply
  6. SURENDRA KUMAR DASH Avatar
    SURENDRA KUMAR DASH

    Not a good idea to keep in prison. Freedom has its inestimable value.

    Reply
    1. justrojie Avatar
      justrojie

      Yes for sure but if they cannot go back into the wild because of disease then at least they are well taken care of

      Reply

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