The annual Wild in the Country 2025 fundraiser for Lions, Tigers & Bears, a nonprofit sanctuary in Alpine, California, promises to be an unforgettable afternoon of live entertainment, gourmet food, and exclusive auctions. The event, hosted by Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Maria Arcega-Dunn, will take place on May 17, 2025, from 2 to 6 p.m.
- Live and silent auctions
- Live entertainment
- Gourmet food and drinks
- Exclusive experiences
These events will raise crucial funds to support the sanctuary’s mission of providing food, medical care, and natural habitats for over 65 rescued wild animals, including lions, tigers, bears, leopards, and other exotic species. The sanctuary was established in 2002 by animal welfare advocate Bobbi Brink, who aimed to provide a peaceful refuge for wild animals rescued from roadside zoos, circuses, private ownership, or the exotic animal trade. Today, Lions Tigers & Bears offers a serene environment for these majestic creatures to thrive.
| Sanctuary Facts | Information |
|---|---|
| Established in 2002 | By animal welfare advocate Bobbi Brink |
| Accredited sanctuary | Lions Tigers & Bears is one of the few accredited big cat and bear sanctuaries in the country |
| Location | Nestled in a cozy spot on Martin Way in the hills of Alpine, California |
| Rescue Statistics | Over 65 rescued wild animals, including lions, tigers, bears, leopards, and other exotic species |
“Wild in the Country is our biggest and most exciting event of the year,” said Brink, the sanctuary’s founder and director. “Approximately 500 guests will experience a truly unforgettable afternoon at the sanctuary, complete with gourmet food, craft cocktails, and live entertainment in the heart of San Diego’s beautiful countryside.”
The event will feature a silent auction filled with one-of-a-kind items and unique experiences, as well as a thrilling live auction led by Storage Wars star and celebrity auctioneer Sean Kelly. Guests will also have the opportunity to see the rescued big cats and bears up close, in a peaceful, natural setting that reflects the true meaning of sanctuary. “We provide a voice for the voiceless and educate the public on the realities of the exotic animal trade,” said Brink. “Without accredited sanctuaries, many of these animals would have nowhere to go. We’re here to give them the life they were always meant to have — free from fear, pain, and exploitation. And let’s not forget… animals give so much back to us. It’s people helping animals — and animals helping people.”
The fundraiser is critical to sustaining the sanctuary’s mission, as the group receives no federal funding. The event will raise crucial funds to support everything from daily nutrition to advanced veterinary care, as well as future rescue missions, educational outreach, and advocacy efforts to end the exotic animal trade. “Seeing these majestic animals up close — many of whom have endured so much — can be life-changing,” said Brink. “Our goal is to inspire compassion, advocacy, and a commitment to creating a better world for animals.”
The event will take place, rain or shine, and tickets need to be purchased in advance. Ticket prices start at $165 per person, with children’s tickets for those 12 and under $50 with the purchase of an adult ticket. Tables are also available for purchase.
“Wild in the Country 2025 promises to be our most dynamic and impactful yet!”
said Brink. This year promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend. With exclusive experiences, gourmet food, and live entertainment, Wild in the Country 2025 will be an event to remember.
The Importance of Accredited Sanctuaries
Lions Tigers & Bears is one of the few accredited big cat and bear sanctuaries in the country. The sanctuary’s mission is to provide a peaceful refuge for wild animals rescued from abusive conditions. Accredited sanctuaries like Lions Tigers & Bears are often the last hope for animals who have suffered “unthinkable abuse.”
“We provide a voice for the voiceless and educate the public on the realities of the exotic animal trade,” said Brink. Without accredited sanctuaries, many of these animals would have nowhere to go. It’s people helping animals — and animals helping people.”
Get Your Tickets Now
Tickets need to be purchased in advance for the Wild in the Country 2025 event.
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