Zoos
Lions Tigers & Bears The San Diego Animal Sanctuary®
📍 24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA 91901🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Quick Facts
💡 Did You Know?
- Lions Tigers & Bears is a certified and accredited sanctuary that rescued 70 tigers from Tiger King operator Joe Exotic and found accredited homes for 68 additional felines from the same operation
- The sanctuary houses white tigers and orange tigers together in large naturalistic enclosures, with documented growth from approximately 20 lbs to 150 lbs observed by repeat visitors
- The sanctuary operates with a no-touching policy, no direct animal photography policy, and maintains huge enclosures with grass and dirt substrates designed to mimic natural habitats
- Lions Tigers & Bears recently acquired a liger (lion-tiger hybrid) to provide sanctuary care, educating visitors about the health problems caused by purposeful exotic animal hybridization
💬 What Visitors Say
- Consider becoming a member if you plan multiple visits - reviewers mention seeing something different each time they visit and emphasize that being a member is a great way to go often, suggesting good ROI for repeat visitors
- This is a true accredited sanctuary with no animal touching or photo ops - animals live in large natural habitat enclosures. Expect an educational experience focused on animal welfare rather than interactive encounters
- Learn about the sanctuary's rescue work and animal welfare issues during your visit - reviewers highlight the educational value about the animal trade, purposeful inbreeding problems (like white tigers), and the sanctuary's role in rescuing animals from abuse
- Allow time to observe animals closely - reviewers mention seeing animals at different life stages over repeat visits and being able to spot details like faint tiger stripes on newer rescues, indicating animals are active and worth extended observation
- Located only 40 minutes from downtown San Diego, making it an accessible day trip alternative to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park - reviewers recommend it as a must-do SoCal experience that shouldn't be missed
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Creation & Earth History Museum & Bookstore
Children's MuseumsSantee, CA
20 miles away
Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage Center
Children's MuseumsEl Cajon, CA
20 miles away
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