Kallie the Tiger’s Story Highlights the Lifesaving Work at Lions Tigers & Bears
April is National Animal Care Month, a time to recognize the expertise, compassion, and daily commitment it takes to properly care for animals. At Lions Tigers & Bears, Southern California’s only accredited big cat and exotic animal sanctuary, that care often means performing complex medical procedures that rescued animals would otherwise never receive.
One powerful example is Kallie, a rescued tiger whose journey speaks to both resilience and the level of specialized veterinary care happening right here in San Diego County.
From Neglect to a Second Chance
Kallie was rescued from a defunct roadside zoo in Oklahoma after enduring years of neglect. She had been declawed and developed metabolic bone disease due to improper nutrition and care. By the time she arrived at the Alpine sanctuary, she was in critical condition with a severe leg fracture that required emergency surgery.
When complications from an antibiotic-resistant infection followed, founder and director Bobbi Brink and the veterinary team made the difficult decision to amputate her leg to give her the best chance at a pain-free life. It wasn’t an easy call, but it was the right one.
Ongoing Care and Specialized Expertise
Today, Kallie continues adapting to life on three legs with the support of a specialized veterinary and animal care team. Her recovery is ongoing, and she still requires additional procedures and treatment to address the lasting effects of her earlier conditions.
Every step forward is carefully monitored to ensure her long-term comfort and quality of life.
Procedures like Kallie’s require extensive planning and coordination. Big cats must be fully anesthetized, closely monitored by experienced veterinary professionals, and supported by keepers who understand their behavior and medical history inside and out.
It’s proactive, highly specialized care that plays a critical role in giving rescued animals the lives they deserve.
A Daily Commitment in Alpine
Kallie is just one of more than 60 rescued animals who now call the Alpine sanctuary home. Lions, tigers, bears, and other exotic species rely on a team that coordinates everything from emergency surgeries to long-term rehabilitation.
National Animal Care Month is a reminder that behind every rescued animal is a team of professionals working tirelessly to provide safety, stability, and advanced medical care. At Lions Tigers & Bears, that mission is part of everyday life.
See you there!
We’ll be cheering on Kallie and the entire team in Alpine who make stories like hers possible. If you haven’t visited, this is your sign to learn more and support local wildlife rescue.
📆 Lions Tigers & Bears is open from Tuesday to Saturday | 8:30 AM – 4 PM
📍 24402 Martin Way, Alpine
🎟️ Book an adventure here
ℹ️ Visit the website here for updates
See you there, San Diego!
