Founder of Lions Tigers and Bears Sanctuary Recipient of Global Award for Sanctuary Excellence

Washington, DC, July 18, 2015 --(PR.com)-- The 2015 Carole Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence award recipient was announced by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). This year Bobbi Brink of Lions Tigers and Bears (LTB) was singled out for her widespread work dedicated to supporting the welfare of displaced exotic big cats and bears and advocating for change to protect captive exotic animals in the future.

The Carole Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence is given annually to a sanctuary or individual who embodies and puts into practice the GFAS philosophy of vision, dedication and excellence in animal care. It memorializes Carole Noon, founder of Save the Chimps in Fort Pierce, Florida, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary.

“Bobbi has been instrumental to the rescue of countless animals, and GFAS is honored to recognize her work and passion,” says Kellie Heckman, GFAS executive director. “She is the person to turn to in times of crisis when action is needed for big cats and bears.”

Bobbi Brink founded Lions Tigers and Bears in Alpine, CA, in 2002, after seeing first hand the horrible abuses and neglect inflicted on captive exotic animals. Brink began when she negotiated the release of two endangered Bengal tigers, Raja and Natasha, from a volatile private owner, who was threatening the cats’ survival. Since that first successful rescue, LTB has provided sanctuary and a lifetime of care to over 20 big cats and bears, and Bobbi has supported the rescue of hundreds more.

Brink shared her thoughts about the accomplishment, saying, “It is an honor to receive this recognition. However, our work is not over yet. There are still so many animals out there living in unacceptable conditions that need our help, and we won't stop until the abuse ends once and for all."

The award will be presented to Ms. Brink in person at an award ceremony in the fall at a location to be determined.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries:
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries/rescues worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting sanctuaries/rescues is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. They represent top leadership from Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society. For more information, visit: www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Lions Tigers and Bears
Lions Tigers & Bears (LTB) is a federally and state licensed non-profit 501 (c)(3) rescue sanctuary dedicated to providing a safe haven to abused and abandoned exotic animals while inspiring an educational forum to end the exotic animal trade. Founded in 2002, LTB is a No Kill, No Breed and No Sell facility that allows animals in its care the opportunity to live out their lives with dignity in a caring and safe environment. LTB is one of few sanctuaries in the United States with the highest level of accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuary Association. For more information or to make a donation to help care for the animals at LTB, please visit www.LionsTigersAndBears.org or call (619) 659-8078.