San Diego Reader

• Animal Group/Service | Alpine

Lions Tigers & Bears Big Cat Rescue

• 24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA 91901 | Directions
• 619-659-8078 | Website

Lions, Tigers, and Bears is a big-cat sanctuary and rescue facility located in Alpine. At 94 acres, it’s just six acres shy of the San Diego Zoo’s size. The facility boasts 52 animals and is open to the public. A yearly membership is $50. Daily memberships can be purchased for $25 for children, $35 for adults. Visitors must call ahead to make an appointment before showing up. Lions, Tigers, and Bears can be rented out for bachelor/bachelorette parties, weddings, and birthdays. The zoo also hosts two family-friendly campouts a year, as well as an annual Easter egg hunt. Behind-the-scenes tours of the facility are offered for a $500 donation. Across from the tiger pen is a two-bedroom cabin that can be rented for $550 a night. They even offer a private chef. Make sure to wear tennis shoes — the zoo was built for the animals, not visitors, and there are no paved sidewalks.