Wild in the Country 2025

Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego’s only accredited big cat and bear rescue and sanctuary, presents its biggest and most important fundraising event of the year at the sanctuary’s 142-acre property in Alpine.

This year’s event will be hosted by Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist Maria Arcega-Dunn and will feature a live auction led by celebrity auctioneer and star of the hit show Storage Wars, Sean Kelly. Guests will enjoy an unforgettable afternoon filled with a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items and unique experiences, thrilling live auction with exclusive packages, gourmet food and craft cocktails, live entertainment in a breathtaking outdoor setting, and up-close visits with rescued exotic animals who call the sanctuary home. All proceeds benefit the lifelong care of the rescued animals at Lions Tigers & Bears, and support critical rescue missions, education, and advocacy efforts to end the exotic animal trade.